Whether you're a hockey fan or not, it was hard to ignore the #VeseyWatch that was trending on Twitter during much of August. One of the NCAA's top prospects, Jimmy Vesey spurned the Nashville Predators, the team that drafted him, and the Buffalo Sabres, a team that traded for his exclusive negotiating rights, to become a free agent and eventually sign with the New York Rangers.

It's an odd loophole for NHL prospects who choose to compete in the NCAA for their full college career, but Vesey's whirlwind journey to the Rangers has sparked some serious interest in NCAA hockey. 

Who is the next Jimmy Vesey? Here's a batch of NHL prospects currently slated to play in the NCAA during the upcoming season who you need to keep an eye on.  

 

Colin White, Forward -- Boston College/Ottawa Senators

The 19-year-old from Hanover, Massachusetts was one of the top-rated prospects in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, and the Ottawa Senators snatched him up with the 21st pick in the draft that year.

White made his collegiate debut last season with his hometown hockey club and made an immediate impact. The well-rounded centerman netted 19 goals to go along with 24 assists over a span of 37 games. Anytime you can put together more than a point per game, you're going to turn some heads. Keep an eye on White this season.

Brock Boeser, Forward -- University of North Dakota/Vancouver Canucks

Another top prospect from the 2015 draft, Boeser hails from Burnsville, Minnesota and like White is also 19. Boeser was drafted just two picks after White by the Vancouver Canucks with the 23rd pick of the 2015 NHL Draft.

During his first season playing for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, Boeser led the NCAA in goals with 27, and points with 60. The 6-foot-1 right winger also led the Fighting Hawks to a national championship. If he can keep up his development, he'll be scoring big goals in the NHL in no time at all.

Brandon Hickey, Defenseman -- Boston University/Calgary Flames

This 20-year-old will be entering his third season in the NCAA with Boston University, where he's been a steady force on the blue line. Hickey, who was drafted 64th overall in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft is being developed as a pure two-way defenseman.

The Canadian from Alberta is not a massive point producer on the back end, but he's quick and able to move the puck to start the rush -- a skill he'll continue to develop on his road to the NHL. Many believe Hickey will be ready for the NHL at the end of this season, so he's worth watching during what could be his final NCAA season.

Will Borgen, Defenseman -- St. Cloud State University/Buffalo Sabres

Only one season removed from playing high school hockey, the 6-foot-2 defenseman was drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, who have a wealth of young talent in their system.

During his first season in the NCAA, Borgen surprised everyone and made the scouts in Buffalo very happy as he accumulated 14 points during his 37 games, yielding a plus/minus rating of 17. Borgen has excelled as a quick-skating, puck-moving blue-liner, but he still needs to build up the necessary size and physical strength to take the next step in his career.

Anders Bjork, Forward -- University of Notre Dame/Boston Bruins

This 20-year-old from Mequon, Wisconsin was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. At 5-foot-11, Bjork is a bit smaller in size than some of our other prospects, but he makes up for his lack of size with hockey smarts that have allowed him to succeed at every level.

During his second season at Notre Dame, Bjork averaged exactly a point per game and produced 12 goals and 23 assists over 35 games. Bjork also racked up an eye-popping plus-28, proving he is also able to play smart defensively when the puck is in his own zone. Entering his third season, fans can expect even more from Bjork as he continues to develop.