NCAA: Wilson Standout Terrier

McKeen's correspondent Max Giese looks at some of the top prospects playing in the NCAA this season, including highly regarded 2008 draft-eligible center Colin Wilson, who is playing for Boston University.

Colin Wilson (2008), C, Boston University

The top draft-eligible prospect out of the NCAA this season has wasted no time impressing scouts while centering the Terriers' first line as a freshman .. owns a muscular physique that he utilizes to win one-on-one battles in the trenches and to shield the puck while mucking along the wall .. confident with the puck on his stick, as he possesses supple hands and a quick-released shooting arsenal with heavy velocity .. demonstrates a polished passing game, as he moves the puck crisply and on tape even while under duress in heavy traffic .. purposeful skater with a fluid stride that just lacks explosiveness out of the gate .. demonstrates a mature, detailed game and will be a safe pick come June, as he competes hard and thinks the game well.

Kevin Shattenkirk (Col), D, Boston University

Brilliant and skilled puck-moving defenseman with velvety hands and ice-water running through his veins .. spearheads the offense with superb puck movement out of his own end and in the neutral zone .. creatively quarterbacks the powerplay and is a slick puckcarrier with sneaky speed to get around the opposition .. loose defensively and needs to be more guarded about not losing his man behind him.

Nick Bonino (SJ), RW, Boston University

Talented and creative winger that oozes offensive presence and creativity but is still prone to making freshman mistakes such as over handling, or passing the puck instead of utilizing his wicked wristshot.

Colby Cohen (Col), D, Boston University

Big, offensive defenseman that loves to rush the puck up the ice and pinch down low so he can unleash his heavy pointshot that he does a fine job of getting on net .. doesn't always keep the play in front of him and will need to round out his defensive game.

Max Pacioretty (Mtl), LW/C, Michigan

Owns a mans body with a wide and stable stride .. dangerous attacking the net as he possesses strong wrists, which propel his quick and heavy snapshot .. being utilized on the powerplay and penalty kill this season, as he's even been counted on to switch to center at times to win important faceoffs.

Aaron Palushaj (StL), LW, Michigan

Has a knack for making things happen in tight around the net and displays the ability to execute a deft pass with players draped all over him in heavy traffic .. owns a dynamic release and a precisely accurate snapshot .. not an ideal skater but he is always moving his feet and can execute at full speed.

Mark Mitera (Ana), D, Michigan

Showing more confidence with the puck and jumping into the offensive play, as he's seeing much more icetime on the powerplay this season .. blocks a lot of shots and protects his crease area well.

Nick Petrecki (SJ), D, Boston College

Big and mobile defenseman with a mean streak that is far from a natural with the puck, however, he has demonstrated impressive discipline by making smart outlet passes early in his freshman season in the face of some of the nations most tenacious forechecks in North Dakota and Vermont.

Carl Sneep (Pit), D, Boston College

Steadying presence on the backend that has the tools to take his game further if he bulks up and adds a physical edge.

Nate Gerbe (Buf), Boston College

Pound-for-pound the best player in college hockey .. going to be a fan favorite and possibly a star some day, as he's an electrifying magician with the puck and his dynamic agility makes him a feared player in the open ice, as he can make a defenseman look silly.

Andrew Orpik (Buf), LW, Boston College

Colossal winger with superior size and strength that opens up the ice for his smallish linemates, much like Boston Bruins prospect Milan Lucic, as he's tough to stop driving the net and is a beast along the boards.

Joe Fallon (Chi), G, Vermont

Big, first-save goaltender that swallows up the net with his engulfing frame, although his recovery speed needs work and he flops too much after he gives up a bad rebound.

Kyle Medvec (Min), D, Vermont

Towering, puck-moving defenseman with good vision, poise, and touch that makes smart passes on the point and doesn't hesitate to jump in the offensive rush .. utilizing his size more defensively and uses his enormous reach well, although he's still beaten too often by speed in tight, as he can be caught flat footed and resort to taking a penalty.