Matias Vanhanen, the 18‑year‑old Finnish winger who has been touted as one of the New Jersey Devils’ most promising prospects, announced that he will begin his collegiate career at Boston College in the 2026‑27 season.
A New Chapter in the NCAA
He will be reunited with fellow Finnish player Oscar Hemming, a teammate from the junior ranks, creating a familiar cultural link for the young forward as he adjusts to life in the United States.
During his most recent WHL campaign with the Everett Silvertips, Vanhanen posted 87 points in 62 games, a tally that placed him ninth across the league and atop his team’s scoring chart.
The transition to NCAA hockey will see him initially slotted into the middle six, a tier that often serves as a proving ground for players seeking to adapt to the faster, more physical style of college competition.
Boston College’s forward group is crowded, meaning Vanhanen will need to earn his minutes and demonstrate his playmaking ability while also embracing a more robust physical presence on the ice.
Looking Ahead
Devils’ management views the commitment as a strategic boost to their prospect pipeline, hoping the Finnish winger’s creativity and work ethic will translate into future NHL contributions. If he can meld his WHL‑honed vision with the rigors of collegiate play, Vanhanen could emerge as a key piece in the Devils’ long‑term planning.