Michigan leads NCAA programs in first-round NHL draft picks with 35, followed by Boston College with 27 picks. Since the NHL draft began in 1963, a total of 220 college hockey players have been selected from 30 Division I institutions. Five players have gone No. 1 overall, with Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini being the most recent top pick in 2024. In 2025, ten NCAA players were drafted in the first round, the third-highest total in history.
By the Numbers35 first-round picks – Michigan10 NCAA players drafted in the first round in 2025 State of Play2025 saw a total of 10 NCAA Division I players or commitments picked in the first round.Only five NCAA players have ever been selected No. 1 overall in draft history. What’s Next
Future drafts could see additional NCAA talents emerging, with increased recruitment and emphasis on hockey development. Programs like Michigan and Boston University may continue to produce more first-round picks due to their strong development history.
Bottom Line
As the NCAA continues to be a pipeline for NHL talent, institutions like Michigan and Boston College are crucial to watch for future high draft selections. This trend suggests an ongoing commitment to nurturing elite hockey prospects at the collegiate level.