AJS

Re Rowe: UND not being fully committed. If Rowe meant he didn't know if UND was fully committed to bringing him in next year, then yes, I could see that as a valid concern for him. Who knows what this year will bring and you never know with goalies, but I would say it's a valid concern (for him) that neither Scheel or Thome will leave after this year and he gets pushed back another year. I wish Rowe the best. He's definitely a wild card right now. Because he played at the NTDP, it's easy to compare him to Scheel. Both had mediocre numbers there. Obviously Scheel had a phenomenal year in Juniors after and we all saw what he did last year. We'll see about Rowe. He could go the Scheel route, but we'll see. Looking at his Elite Prospects page, his best season was .900 SV%.

Final weekend post, before Fall Camp gets started next week. Knowing the depth chart last year and the players returning, I feel they need the following amount of players by positional group that did not play last year, or played minimal minutes to either (1) Push for starting positions or (2) Push for a two-deep role. Simply put, guys that can contribute this year that didn't last year. Some are bigger needs than others, but this would give the team very solid overall depth. Offense RB - 1 OL - 3 Defense DE - 3 NG - 2 OLB - 2 ILB - 1 CB - 2 S - 1

UNDFootball on Instagram posted pictures of the players handing out posters to local businesses. Who’s 93? Beach? Physically, it looks like he could step in as a true freshman.

@Longtime fan great post! I'm going to dig into your two biggest positional needs, NG & OLB as well as DE. NG: Morrison (So) What needs to happen to have this go from a complete liability to serviceable? Would Morrison be an Ok #2 NG on a team? Serviceable #1? What if one of the highly regarded True Freshman come into camp at Morrison's level. Would those two be fine as #1 / #2? For some reason I'm strangely comfortable from the point that this Unit can't be as bad as what I'm envisioning (ILB unit from 2 years ago). We're talking a one player position. Need three guys to step up in Fall camp. I've used the word serviceable a lot, but I think it's true. This will be a weakness of the team, we just need it to not be a liability. OLB: Turner (Jr), Lawrence (Sr), Steiger (Sr) Obviously others played, but those three were, when breaking down the 2-Deep all year, were staples of it. Turner is a stud. Lawrence is finally healthy, which is big. Steiger is kind of an X-factor. He played a lot of minutes last year. Really interested in how Haas looks as well. I still remember the rave reviews his FR year of Fall camp. @Longtime fan is your concern more about the talent level more than depth? DE: Bennett (Sr), Seguin (So), Engwall (Sr) Like OLB, they do return 3 of 4 guys on the 2-deep. Only losing Cieslak (huge loss). Still, out of everyone who played DE last year, they only lose 1. You look at the RE for example, Bennett / Seguin were the 2-deep last year. Johnson has been talked about a lot who I haven't mentioned yet. Some talented True-FR as well. Should actually be a pretty solid group.

Great information! Found the 2015 / 2018 info particularly interesting.

Agreed about NT. Looking at the others on your list, players that aren't returning from last year (that either graduated or were contributors). LB: 1 starter (OLB / Palmborg) 2 Quality Depth (ILB / Williams / OLB / Gordon) / 1 Depth (? / Murray) S: 0 T: 0 RB: I really do like JJ / Gordon as a 1 / 2 punch and like the idea of McKinney getting carries too, which per Bubba is the plan. Not saying you're wrong about being thin at S & T, but nice thing about Football is there's a natural progression for a player. The S / T that played last year won't be worse this year type deal. Like @gundy1124 breakdown on LB's. For the most part, I remember them being 5 Deep at ILB last year and they return 4 of the 5 (including both starters). OLB I'm interested in definitely. Getting Haas back (OLB) and getting one more year out of Vrede (ILB) was huge.

Question: From the Bubba era, a week from Fall Camp, looking at the returning players, does this year have the fewest holes of any year? Fewest units that are a big concern entering Fall camp? How many RS-Freshman / True Freshman make an impact this year?

They need to replace: Starters: Santiago (RB) / Oliveria (RB) / Aplin (OL) / Fiedler (TE) Depth: Stiner (OL) / Stanley (WR) Is it fair to say that before the wheels completely fell off the last three games, there wasn't this huge weakness in any particular offensive unit? As always depth became an issue, but overall each unit was ok at worst. Breaking down who they lost, clearly what sticks out is the loss at Running Back. Besides that though, not that Aplin / Fiedler weren't valuable, but any team would take only losing Two starters (& two depth guys who rarely played) throughout QB / OL / WR / TE. We'll have to circle back to Running Back, but otherwise, there wasn't a lot that was lost to graduation. Needs: "---" need the returners to have a natural progression QB: --- WR: --- TE: --- OL: Are there three guys that didn't play last year that are ready to contribute? Need two of them that could potentially be starters, pushing for playing time in Fall camp. RB: I'm more worried about the depth of this group. I think JJ / Gordon is a solid one, two punch. Will need at least one other to be ready to carry a significant load. I'm wondering if the True Freshman could be that guy. From a player personal standpoint, they return so much and for the first time in a long time, there aren't any big question marks entering Fall Camp. To clarify, I'm not saying this is going to be one of the best offenses in the NCAA, but there's a really solid base with no giant holes. Freund: He doesn't have to be the best OC in the country, honestly, if practices what he's preaching, I think we'll see what a difference it makes.

I always start by looking back to last year, the final numbers being 5th in the NCHC and 20th in the pairwise. Not where any of us hoped they'd be, but honestly, not that far off from being a tournament team. As annoying as it is to play what ifs, they were one win against Western at home on Friday night of finishing 3rd in the NCHC. Goalies: Scheel: Real deal, very impressive Freshman season. His Save % was solid at .911, given the limited amount of shots that were usually given up, that will give the team a chance to win a lot of games. His so technically sound, doesn't give up bad goals, always in the right position. Thome: Although his numbers took a hit from his Freshman year, he was very good when Scheel went down at the end of the year. Unlike his Freshman year and the start of his Sophomore campaign, he looked very comfortable, more structurally sound at the end of the year. Rebounds were much better. Overall, a very good one / two punch in net. These two are a strength of the team. No worries in net. Defense: I like to use a term "pop" when it comes to a player taking a large step. Some never do, others do at different times. Kierstad did it last year, his game took a gigantic step. Guy like Poolman never really had his, but was really good right away his Freshman year. This was such a solid unit last year and I honestly believe when looking at the college hockey landscape, that they will be one of the best this year. When comparing to a unit like Duluth, I don't think they have any guys that will pop this year. That's not necessarily a bad thing, they had the best and will likely have one of the best units again. What UND has is an incredible Top End players and more importantly Top End Depth. Guys like JBD and JT given their pedigree and age are guys that most likely will "pop" this year. They'll be able to mix and match what I consider two true top end pairings between Poolman, Kierstad, JBD, JT and Bast. Peski is also very solid and will be the 6th guy. I'm hoping Frisch will be the 7th guy that will play most games. This defense will be so much fun to watch this year. If you look at Goaltending / Defense as one unit, I think they are a sure fire Top 5 combined unit next year. Forwards: This unit overall was terrible last year, but I think that will change this year. Michaud is such a unique case that we aren't used to. Getting a grad transfer that is a proven Top 6 guy in the NCHC, possibly CC's best forward at the end of the year. It's rare that you can bring someone in that can basically cancel the loss of Jones. Jones (1st line Center) / Michaud (1st line Center) Gardner (2nd Line center / 3rd line center talent) / Pinto (2nd Line Center talent (as Freshman) Hoff (Role player) / Blaisdell (Top 6 Forward) JJ (Didn't player 2nd half) / Caulfield (3rd Line Forward) The infusion of talent definitely outweighs what was lost last year. We're already starting out with a more talented roster. Then I look at guys that return. Kawaguchi, we know what to expect, leading scorer last year. Mismash, was injured the 2nd half of the year, being fully healthy is a Top line guy. Weatherby / Adams have talent and can't possibly have point production as low, could both pop. Mismash / Pinto / Kawaguchi -- Put Pinto with two upperclassman Blaisdell / Michaud / Adams -- Senior in the middle of two talented players Caulfield / Weatherby / Hain Smith / Senden / Bowen I like that forward lineup and forward group. Overall: This team will be back in the NCAAs this year, not only that, I think they have a very high ceiling this year. I really, really like this team.

Boys Select 15 starts this week. Panzer (Red) and Spicer (Forest) are taking part, will also be keeping an eye on how Clark (Grey) who has been mentioned as a potential recruit does. Is Ausmus injured?

Care to elaborate a bit? Done like not playing this year, or quit the team done?

I know this has been a continued topic of conversation, but can we really dig into the Nose Guard / D-Line for next year? Here's the Spring Depth Chart: Left End Bennett (SR): Legitimate All-American candidate, incredible player Johnson (R-FR): Remember a handful of people being high on him, seemed to leave a positive impression during Fall Camp Schoenfelder (R-FR): -- Nose Morrison (So): Got a lot of good reps as a Freshman last year Lickfeldt (R-FR): -- Right End Engwall (SR): Big body, should be fine starting Seguin (SO): Like Morrison, got a lot of good reps as a Freshman last year Injured: Ott I'm going to assume now that they are rolling with what they have. My questions are as follows. What's the word on Ott? Is he expected to be fully recovered by Fall Camp? Will Beach (260) and Pierre (255) both have their redshirts pulled?

After the draft, so about as bad of timing as you can have.

Johnny Brodzinski couldn't score for the Force and look how he did in college! In all seriousness, nobody is going to argue that there are a lot of different variables when recruiting each player and when constructing a team. You'll also be able to find any example you want to prove a point. When talking about variables, a players point production is a pretty important factor (I'm guessing), so tracking it from year to year would probably be useful.

Re Stratton: His numbers weren't awful this year, but there was a pretty modest drop off in production from the year before (when he was at a PPG). I never really like the entire situation in the first place, a guy having to sit out an entire year and change, just seemed like a lot of extra work. I'm happy there's a spot open, either for another recruit or to alleviate the log jam of recruits a little.

Rowe: This loss is still wait and see, Scheel's numbers weren't stellar coming out of the NTDP, before a spectacular season in Penticton and we all saw him last year. I bring up Scheel, because Rowe's numbers at the NTDP were awful. Can he rebound like Scheel? We'll see. Keane: I wouldn't have said it last year, based on his numbers in Juniors, but this is unfortunate. I could be way off here, but I think Keane is one of those ultimate locker room guys. Stratton: Nothing against the guy, but given his numbers last years in the BCHL, I think this is a blessing.

Jackson Blake playing at the US Select 16 camp this week. He's the only recruit that's eligible for the camp. Team Navy. 2 goals in his first game yesterday.

Re Rizzo: Schlossman's article today as well of the statement about the trade from the Vees definitely sheds light on why he's being held back to 2020. It makes complete sense now as I and I'm sure most were completely unaware that he was hurt as well at the end of the year. Time for him to get healthy and when he's completely healed, whenever that is next season, hit the reset button. If you could buy stock in a player, I'm buying all the Rizzo stock right now. I agree with @UND WFO78 and the one thing I continue to kind of roll my eyes at is the term "lack of production", it's true I guess, from the expectations, but the guy was over a PPG in his 17 year old season in the BCHL. Get healthy Massimo and prove all the teams wrong that let you slip to 216!

https://www.nhl.com/news/alexis-lafreniere-headlines-2020-nhl-draft-prospects/c-308003352 Kleven and Sanderson mentioned in this article

I'm going to talk out of both sides of my mouth here. First, I do put a lot of stock in the NHL draft as these guys make a living doing this, doesn't mean they are perfect, but it's a very good indication on the perspective recruit as of this point. Two very important things, (1) They miss, both on guys not being drafted as well as when they should have (2) In correlation, as everyone has seen both at UND and throughout college hockey, draft position (or not being drafted), doesn't necessarily mean productivity at the college level. There's still so many different variables (i.e. Scheel). My perspective on the draft and the eligible player: Pinto - 2nd round (32nd overall): Based on his draft eligible year / first pick in the 2nd round, I think he can be a cornerstone recruit and immediate and will be an immediate Top 6 guy. Moore - 5th (128th overall): This pick probably went where expected, will be fun to watch him progress next year in Juniors. Given that he played HS last year definitely some upside. Blaisdell - 5th (134th overall): He did slide a couple rounds based on projections, based on his body of work should be a Top 6 guy next year. Caulfield - 5th (145th overall): Like Blaisdell, maybe a round later than projected, but will help with an influx of talent. Perfect college 3rd liner. Schmaltz - 7th (192nd overall): This was a surprise, will be tracking him closer next year Rizzo - 7th (216th overall): I'm still stumped with this one. He still had solid production in his draft year. It does now make more sense in him going back for another year. I still think he'll be a stud in college and will be a Top 6 guy as a freshman. Guys that didn't get picked: Scheel: Selfishly, I wanted him to get picked, so that only one team could try to sign him early. He was one of the best Freshman goalies I've seen at UND. Sucks that now everyone can offer him a FA contract. Bast: I get it, based on his size, still will be a phenomenal college player. Rowe: Like with Scheel, goalies can be weird. Numbers wise, didn't have a great year, despite being the 4th ranked NA goalie Budy: Can't wait for him in 2020, I'm sure the freshman numbers scared teams off in Denver, but could be another Jones Overall, 6 were drafted (5 expected) and one surprise. Two who many thought would go didn't. Pinto / Moore went around where they were projected, with the others dropping a round or two. Very respectable showing.

I'm predicting 4 UND recruits go in the 5th round, try to help salvage this draft.

Let's hope for a couple in the next 10 picks or else my predictions are going to start to look really bad.

What's everyone's predictions for this weekend? My guesses will be strictly by rounds Pinto (2nd) Blaisdell (3rd) Caulfield (4th) Rowe (5th) Rizzo (5th) Moore (6th) Bast (6th) Not drafted: Scheel, Frisch, Budy

https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/news/nhl-draft-2019-prospect-rankings-big-board/4s69mzaevfhq1j6u7jl57kqd0 53. Blaisdell https://www.tsn.ca/americans-set-to-dominate-first-round-of-the-nhl-draft-1.1323878 45. Pinto 83. Caulfield It's going to be a wild Day 2 this year for UND recruits. Here's the summary of the 5 lists, parenthesis over total amount ranked. Pinto - 40 (120), 40 (92), 45 (92), 56 (250), NR (62) Blaisdell - 53 (62), 55 (92), 80 (120), 165 (250), NR (92) Caulfield - 52 (120) 83 (92), 183 (250), NR (62), NR (92) The others only ranked in the 250

2019 Draft is less than a week away, some final mock drafts: https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/2019-nhl-draft-ranking-the-top-120-prospects 40. Pinto 52. Caulfield 80. Blaisdell https://thehockeywriters.com/2019-nhl-draft-rankings-top-250/ 56. Pinto 94. Rizzo 117. Rowe 157. Bast 165. Blaisdell 183. Caulfield https://www.tsn.ca/craig-s-list-caufield-scores-his-way-into-top-5-1.1316942 40. Pinto 55. Blaisdell