NCAA Division I men's hockey season preview

The 2026–27 NCAA Division I men's hockey season is approaching, featuring several key storylines across major conferences. The University of Denver enters the season as the defending national champion, while St. Thomas is set to make its debut in the NCHC.

In the Big Ten, competition remains high among programs including Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio State. Meanwhile, in the ECAC, Quinnipiac is noted as a preseason favorite. A significant structural change continues to influence the landscape, as players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) became eligible for Division I play starting in the 2025–26 season.

At the University of Minnesota Duluth, attention is focused on a potential trio of brothers: Max Plante, Zam Plante, and Victor Plante. Victor, a recent second-round NHL draft pick by the Detroit Red Wings, joins his brothers to bolster one of the most competitive offensive rosters in the country.