[sureLoss]

Bob McKenzie gives an update:

http://www.tsn.ca/the-nhl-s-college-...egins-1.695343

The most pressing order of business right now, though, is NHL teams competing to sign the U.S. college unrestricted free agents whose seasons are over.

The top prize in that regard is Northeastern graduating senior Zachary Aston-Reese, a 6-foot, 204-pound forward who had 31 goals and 63 points for the Huskies in 38 games this season. Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Vancouver, San Jose, Los Angeles and Detroit are among a very large group of NHL teams pursuing him, with a decision expected in the next day or so.

Minnesota State sophomore defenceman Daniel Brickley has decided to return to school for his junior year. He was perhaps the top blueliner drawing free-agent interest.

St. Lawrence graduating senior defenceman Gavin Bayreuther is sorting through his options before signing in the next day or two. Buffalo, Dallas, New Jersey and Colorado are among the teams with high levels of interest in Bayreuther.

Some of the other top college free agents – Mike Vecchione and Spencer Foo from Union College; Neal Pionk and Alex Iafallo from Minnesota-Duluth; Tyler Sheehy and Justin Kloos from Minnesota; and, Josh Healey from Ohio State – are still playing.

Union, Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota are assured of NCAA tournament berths for games that will be played March 24-26, so those players won't be available to NHL teams until after that. Ohio State could still be in the NCAA field but will need things to fall its way in games this weekend.