Big Ten Hockey Alumni Capture NHL Honors

Mike Reilly, MINN | Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The 2025-26 National Hockey League season saw several Big Ten players earn post-season recognition.

Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour (Michigan State, 1988-89) and defensemen K'Andre Miller (Wisconsin, 2018-20) and Mike Reilly (Minnesota, 2012-15) led the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup championship. Jason Muzzatti (Michigan State, 1987-91) serves as Carolina's goaltender development coach.

Zach Werenski (Michigan, 2014-16) of the Columbus Blue Jackets received the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's top defenseman. Werenski was also an All-NHL First Team selection. Cole Caufield (Wisconsin, 2019-21) of the Montreal Canadiens earned the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct and collected All-NHL Second Team accolades.

Canadien goaltender Jakub Dobeš (Ohio State, 2021-23) and St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud (Minnesota, 2022-25) were named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.

A total of 86 former Big Ten players skated in the NHL this season.