Frozen Four 2012: Chris Kreider and NHL Prospects Sure to Light It Up in Tampa

The NHL playoffs are just around the corner, but all eyes in the hockey world are now on the Tampa Bay Time Forum in Tampa, Fla. as the Frozen Four is set to kick off on Thursday.

The college hockey season doesn't receive much coverage usually, but the Frozen Four has become extremely popular and a mainstay in collegiate sports.

There will be a couple intriguing matchups as perennial powers Boston College and Minnesota will lock horns, while an underdog battle between Union and Ferris State will take place as well.

Most viewers will be on the lookout for the next NHL stars while watching the game, so it's best to direct your attention toward Boston College and Minnesota for that.

Here are a few NHL prospects that will dominate in the Frozen Four and make their case to play at the highest level in the near future.

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College

There is a reason why Boston College was the top-ranked team in the nation this season as they are absolutely stacked with talent. No player is more vital, though, than forward Chris Kreider.

The 6'3" power forward was a first-round pick of the New York Rangers in 2009 and doesn't seem too far away from playing in the NHL. He has often proved to be a man amongst boys at the college level as his combination of size, physicality and hands are tough to handle.

Kreider has earned plenty of hardware as he won the national championship with the Eagles two seasons ago and won a gold medal with Team USA in the World Junior Championships in 2010 as well.

Kreider has had the best season of his three-year college career by far in 2011-12 as he has scored 22 goals and 43 points in 42 games. He will certainly be somebody to keep an eye on.

Nick Bjugstad, F, Minnesota

Sophomore forward Nick Bjugstad has taken a big step forward in his second season at Minnesota as he leads the team in goals with 25 and has established himself as one of the best wingers in college hockey.

Like Kreider, one of the biggest reasons for Bjugstad's success is his immense size at 6'4" as it allows him to physically dominate his opponents. Bjugstad is only 19, but he already has an NHL-ready game in a lot of ways.

Bjugstad was a first-round selection by the Florida Panthers in 2010 and they surely can't wait to have him in the fold.

Boston College is a big favorite on Thursday against Minnesota, but Bjugstad may be the one player who can take the game over for the Golden Gophers and lead them to victory. It won't be easy, but future NHL players generally find a way to come up big in these types of games.

Kevin Hayes, F, Boston College

Sophomore forward Kevin Hayes is still developing as a collegiate player as he potted just six goals in 42 games this season, but he has proven to be a good playmaker with 20 assists and could be a key player against Minnesota.

Hayes, whose brother Jimmy plays for the Chicago Blackhawks, was a first-round pick by the Blackhawks in his own right in 2010. His production has yet to match his draft status, but it is clear that he's on the right track.

One common trait between all the players on this list is that they have good size, and that is the case with Hayes as he stands 6'3" and is tough to knock off the puck.

Size tends to set players apart in college hockey as the game can often be played at close quarters. If that is the case on Thursday, then Hayes is the type of player who can excel.