Prior to his senior season with Grand Rapids, White signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Minnesota and their Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey program following his season. In his final season at Grand Rapids, White finished scored 49 points in 30 games to be named AP Player of the Year, "Duluth News Tribune" Player of the Year, AP All-State First Team, St. Paul "Pioneer Press" All-State First Team, "Duluth News Tribune" First-Team All-Area, and Iron Range All-Conference. He was also a finalist for the Minnesota Mr. Hockey award, eventually losing the award to Cretin-Derham Hall High School defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Once again, he led Grand Rapids to a second-place finish at the Minnesota State High School Boys Hockey Tournament, earning All-Tournament Team honors for the second consecutive year. White also played in twelve games for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL, split before and after his high school season, scoring eight goals and one assist. Following the season, White entered the 2007 NHL Entry Draft ranked 23rd overall among North American skaters. The NHL's Central Scouting Service described White as "a skilled forward with the ability to make a difference" and able to get "his wrist shot off with ease." He was also said adept at going into corners of the ice and fighting for the puck. On June 22, 2007, he was drafted 25th overall by the Vancouver Canucks.