All things Players Coming and Going.


Zach Sandy (UMD) to the portal. Kind of expected with all the goalies UMD has. Don't think he's starter quality in the B10 but we know how people love at least regional goalies
 

Zach Sandy (UMD) to the portal. Kind of expected with all the goalies UMD has. Don't think he's starter quality in the B10 but we know how people love at least regional goalies
Nope, pass. Omaha kid is the only #1 option out there yet with the potential to be what we finally need
 

Joey Larson (MSU) signs. Supposedly TB is finding a way for Howard as well. B10 going to look very different next year
 

Joey Larson (MSU) signs. Supposedly TB is finding a way for Howard as well. B10 going to look very different next year
I think UM and MSU will be tiny pre season favorites by reloading. But no clear favorite across all 7 teams... ND could turn the corner or be a total mess though for a season or two, though.
 



Boisvert in. Probably BC or BU.
agreed. I know again there is this silly gentlemans thing in hockey, but at some point given they're all leaving and have somewhere set up you'll need to start getting your hands dirty if you have resources. we put a ton of guys in the NHL. we have the money and resources. Zero reason these guys should just be piped straight to Mich and BC/BU.
 

Carfagna (OSU), Leonard (BC), Perrault (BC) all signing or expected to sign today
 

Basically end of day 2 and I've re worked the priority a bit

Current Gopher Portal top 5
1. Gadowsky
2. A starting goalie (Reidler my pick so far, Bentley goalie more experienced but only one year, ideally a better option than both available)
3. Eisele (after seeing his FO stats, clear top forward currently)
4. Ludtke
5. Sabo
 



Basically end of day 2 and I've re worked the priority a bit

Current Gopher Portal top 5
1. Gadowsky
2. A starting goalie (Reidler my pick so far, Bentley goalie more experienced but only one year, ideally a better option than both available)
3. Eisele (after seeing his FO stats, clear top forward currently)
4. Ludtke
5. Sabo
I’d take sabo as believe he’s a RH shot as well

Gadowsky id assume is a lock to play with his dad so not even considering an option
 

I think UM and MSU will be tiny pre season favorites by reloading. But no clear favorite across all 7 teams... ND could turn the corner or be a total mess though for a season or two, though.
MSU now favorite cuz Augustine is back and they got Lindstrom. But if Michigan gets McKenna or Misa they are up there too. Barring a miracle MN about 4th.
 

MSU now favorite cuz Augustine is back and they got Lindstrom. But if Michigan gets McKenna or Misa they are up there too. Barring a miracle MN about 4th.
as a Red Wings fan (joys of growing up in the Stevie Y era and having no MN team I guess), we're so dumb given how awful our goal tending has been.
 

as a Red Wings fan (joys of growing up in the Stevie Y era and having no MN team I guess), we're so dumb given how awful our goal tending has been.
Honest question for you, although Augustine is good, do you actually think he is more ready or better than Cossa or Bednar, the other two goalies the Red Wings have at Grand Rapids right now?
 



Honest question for you, although Augustine is good, do you actually think he is more ready or better than Cossa or Bednar, the other two goalies the Red Wings have at Grand Rapids right now?
given Bednar can't get out of the ECHL routinely, no (he's not even a rostered guy for the Wings at this point). Cossa I am hoping is at least one of their NHL goalies next year. They've been a minus at the position for multiple years and they need to stop retreading guys like Mrazek, Lyon, etc., and need a franchise goalie they haven't had since Howard left

Augustine getting 40-50 games against teams that are all on par with the talent, rather than sitting doing nothing for large swaths of games against teams MSU is clearly better than doesn't do much for me in terms of development. That being said, I get why he wants to come back and try win a title so I'm not going to fault him for that. Kids been a winner at the highest levels so I'm guessing that's the largest thing with coming back. the only knock with Augustine is his size and I'd want to know sooner rather than later if I'm Detroit if that's going to be a problem as the shooters get consistently better
 

Broten Sabo will end up at a good school. With Chesley sure to leave the Gophers need an offensive d man since Gruba disappointed, but I'm not sure he's good enough to be it. Might be acceptable though.

Current Gopher Portal top 5
1. Reidler
2/3. Eisele
2/3. Ludtke
4. Sabo
5. Hoskin
Hoskin to Merrimack
 


He was already out of my top 5 in players I think the Gophers should actually go after realistically
Was kind of interesting to hear McMahon say his options were Merrimack, another he school and then 2 nchc schools.

Wisdom (CC) was new since your post and I’d be happy if we were taking a look at him
 

Ludtke is in


1. Gadowsky
2. A starting goalie (Reidler my pick so far, Bentley goalie more experienced but only one year, ideally a better option than both available)
3. Eisele (after seeing his FO stats, clear top forward currently)
4. Ludtke - In
5. Sabo
 

Ludtke is in


1. Gadowsky
2. A starting goalie (Reidler my pick so far, Bentley goalie more experienced but only one year, ideally a better option than both available)
3. Eisele (after seeing his FO stats, clear top forward currently)
4. Ludtke - In
5. Sabo
Ludtke a very solid start. Technically would think he’d have 3 years if he wanted them with an injury season given he only played 8 games.

Think this will be an interesting spot to see how Bob wants to build this team class wise as well.

At forward, Clark Lamb and Mittelstadt are the only upperclassmen left. Need to add some size and scoring there. Could absolutely see a guy like Eisele or Ahearn (Niagara’s captain) fitting a role of an older guy who’s scored some as an option. I like Zaccharaya Wisdom (CC) for the physicality side he brings that were lacking (and have lacked). Will be curious to see if Bob is targeting mn kids (or they’re soliciting him) or if we’re best available (I hope the latter). Would be even nicer if we make a splash and drop money for a big chl player even if it’s a 1 and done. We need a high end guy from somewhere if you’re going to compete for a title unless we’re going to try play like OSU and grind more which would really surprise me, though May fit our current D better.
On defense, only Mittelstadt and Cal for upperclassmen. Wouldn’t surprise me to see him take a veteran guy regardless (if not two). Gadowsky would be a pipe dream but obviously the top guy. Sabo a good option. Gratton out of Omaha also maybe a reasonable Target (was at PSU for 2 years prior for those who recognize the name)
The goalies I’m not excited with. Wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Bob bring in a Canadian guy
 

Ludtke can replace Kurth.

Youre still out four first rounders (three of which suited up instantly), a second round experienced D and a goalie. Massive hole to climb out of.
 

Ludtke can replace Kurth.

Youre still out four first rounders (three of which suited up instantly), a second round experienced D and a goalie. Massive hole to climb out of.
Agreed on all accounts. More just meaning I think it will be a question of if we stylistically change a little this year at least and just go old/heavy in the portal or if we’re going to try just have a MN reunion tour where we can and still try play the open style Gopher hockey typically is.

We’ll be nowhere near as talented on paper but its not like the teams in the FF are swimming in first rounders. Obviously high end talent can make Up for other things/deficiencies but a cohesive team that plays with the same style and grit up and down a lineup is also damn tough to play against as we’ve seen and there’s enough “talent” on the roster to be back in the dance it they plug some holes with the portal and don’t over rely on the freshman and our internal guys take the next step where they can
 


This happening is rare for the Gophers
Kurth and Clark doubled their points last year and were noticeably better (there are many other examples)

Zeimer would be a good candidate for a jump. As would Gruba on D. Maybe we’ll finally see Lamb put it together for a year.

I get we’re at a depressing point where we just unloaded the last parts of a team that should’ve won a title had Bob (and the team) not blown it, but guys do get better over their years under Bob
 

Kurth and Clark doubled their points last year and were noticeably better (there are many other examples)

Zeimer would be a good candidate for a jump. As would Gruba on D. Maybe we’ll finally see Lamb put it together for a year.

I get we’re at a depressing point where we just unloaded the last parts of a team that should’ve won a title had Bob (and the team) not blown it, but guys do get better over their years under Bob
Some yes but you also have weird stagnation for many guys. L Mittelstadt I just don't understand how he became such a low impact player.
 

Some yes but you also have weird stagnation for many guys. L Mittelstadt I just don't understand how he became such a low impact player.
I agree with that. He’s playing solid defense, but man I always thought he would provide some scoring on the other end

Sammy Walker and McLaughlin also felt that way to me. Koster I always was waiting for his offense to come back as well
 

Was kind of interesting to hear McMahon say his options were Merrimack, another he school and then 2 nchc schools.

Wisdom (CC) was new since your post and I’d be happy if we were taking a look at him
Wisdom WMU. Figured we wouldn't be in consideration for him

If they get Ralph I'll say that's a good replacement for Koster but again still need to replace the big guns.
 

Wisdom WMU. Figured we wouldn't be in consideration for him

If they get Ralph I'll say that's a good replacement for Koster but again still need to replace the big guns.
I’m hopeful on the steam for Ralph. Really not much for “top end” guys in the portal in all honesty (with Boisvert signing). CHL really is best hope for that.

But if they get Ralph and say Eisele and a goalie, I’ll feel a lot better about next season
 

I’m hopeful on the steam for Ralph. Really not much for “top end” guys in the portal in all honesty (with Boisvert signing). CHL really is best hope for that.

But if they get Ralph and say Eisele and a goalie, I’ll feel a lot better about next season
I think if they get Ralph, they will stop recruiting D which will be an issue.

Mittelstadt
Thomas
Ralph
Begley
Rud
Gruba
Whipple
Phillips
Rombach

That's 9 and under the 26 player roster he will go with 14F/9D/3G with Begley as flex 15th forward (meh). There is not enough offensive punch in the above. It'll be a long year because offense starts with the D.
 

I think if they get Ralph, they will stop recruiting D which will be an issue.

Mittelstadt
Thomas
Ralph
Begley
Rud
Gruba
Whipple
Phillips
Rombach

That's 9 and under the 26 player roster he will go with 14F/9D/3G with Begley as flex 15th forward (meh). There is not enough offensive punch in the above. It'll be a long year because offense starts with the D.
My hope was we’d see rud and/or Begley transfer. Also would not be against pushing Phillips or rombach out a year if they’re willing
 

My hope was we’d see rud and/or Begley transfer. Also would not be against pushing Phillips or rombach out a year if they’re willing
Fair. Or even my off the wall prediction of Whipple. If you can get a PP QB, you replace someone or push Phillips out. He's going to get absolutely exposed next year.
 




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