Beanpot 2012: Chris Kreider and Top NHL Prospects To Watch in Beanpot Final

The 2012 Beanpot final will be played between two of the most successful programs in college hockey history, Boston College and Boston University.

The two schools have met in the final of the competition five times in the last decade (21 times all time) and have sent many players to the NHL during that span.

This year's final features some tremendous players who are top prospects for the teams fortunate to have drafted them. 

Let's look at the top NHL prospects who will play in the Beanpot final on Monday night at TD Garden in Boston.

Chris Kreider, LW, Boston College

The New York Rangers selected Chris Kreider of Boston College with the 19th pick in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft and the left winger is one of the Blueshirts' top prospects.

Kreider has a lot of speed and skates well. He also brings a lot of toughness to the ice and has the potential to be a fantastic power forward for the Rangers.

Kreider could join the Rangers this season after he fulfills his NCAA commitment to the Eagles, which would benefit New York since they need more depth at left wing, but it's more likely he competes for a spot on the roster next season.

He also has experience at the international level with Team USA. Kreider has 18 goals and 15 assists this season for 33 points in 29 games for Boston College.

Adam Clendening, D, Boston University

Adam Clendening is a very good defenseman that the Chicago Blackhawks have high hopes for when he reaches the NHL level.

Clendening is one of Boston University's best players and is considered the second-best defense prospect in the Blackhawks organization.

Coming into the Beanpot tournament, Clendening had two goals and 22 assists for 24 points in 29 games for the Terriers. 

Clendening is a tremendous offensive defenseman who can pass well and excels on the power play. He also has quality speed for a defenseman and can chase down forwards if he's caught out of position.

He will certainly have a major impact on the Terriers' chances of winning the Beanpot Final over the Eagles on Monday night.

Tommy Cross, D, Boston College

Boston College defenseman Tommy Cross was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 2007 NHL Draft and is in his final NCAA season.

Cross has good offensive ability and skates extremely well for a defenseman, which makes him a worthy inclusion on the power play.

The Eagles blueliner has good leadership skills and is an imposing force on the ice with his 6'3", 210-pound frame. He fits the mold of typical Bruins defensemen who are big, strong and reliable in their own end.

Cross has scored three goals with 14 assists for 17 points in 29 games this season for the Eagles.

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Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.