OopsSioux

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7152553/2026/05/26/nhl-draft-2026-defensemen-top-prospects/

Hirsch was a really good college player and a solid prospect at that point in his career. Most good athletes have the "what could've been" thoughts but for him that had to be next level as he was one of the best at the time at the college level. I hope he's doing well.

That goes for Denver as well. Both Sconnie and Denver were skilled but neither were more skilled than Michigan or UND.

I don't believe you need much of an eye to identify that Carels, Rudolph, or Dupont are pretty good players. I'm pretty sure I don't need a dedicated GM to tell me that those guys are talented when nearly every person in the know about hockey has already been gushing over those guys. Shoot, you don't need anyone to tell you that at all. You can just look up the rosters of the "elite" teams and boom there those guys are. I'm looking for Chyzk and company to be able to find the overlooked/less recruited guys like your Rickwoods, Spunars, Chay Genoway, Paul Ladue, etc. We all knew Toews, Oshie, Parise, Sanderson, were going to help and who they were. Of course I expect to land a few blue chip guys but I'm most concerned with this staff's ability to build consistently competitive teams.

Is that prediction really that bold? I'd say Wisconsin proved they were right where they belonged in the frozen four this year. I can't see any reason they'd have an expectation less than being there again.

Not me. He seemed a bit snake bit at the end of the season but the young man can shoot. If he and Reschny both keep progressing I think there's a world where you could see 40+ goals between the two of them

💯. If they get some blue-chips to complete the roster...super. If not I'm totally okay with a good player who will probably need to develop into their role. I'd take a good freshman over a good senior almost every time. Next years team will be talented as it is. How talented remains to be seen?

In 2016 the best defenseman on the CHAMPIONSHIP team were...Junior Paul Ladue, Junior Troy Stecher, Sophomore Tucker Poolman, Junior Gage Ausmus. They didn't have a single senior defenseman. This year UND lost Livenavage, Wiebe. All of these guys are irreplaceable by upper-classmen. Look in the portal...they don't exist. No fan would complain about getting any of these players as a Junior or Senior but they simply aren't out there and even if one or two are every team wants them.

Agreed. Even with their success of recent I'm not sure Denver's example is the way for a lot of other programs. If Denver played Michigan ten times this year I just don't see Denver winning more than 3

Assuming Zellers continues developing his 200' game wouldn't it be just as likely to have Simpson pair with Reschny and Zellers? That's a lot of high end offensive talent on one line with Reschny a playmaker, Zellers a shooter/finisher, and Simpson a shooter/finisher. To me if those two wingers can help in the corners with Reschny that'd be pretty potent. I also think Brock Schultz might surprise some of us. I don't believe he'll be all-conference as a freshman but the young man can skate, play physical, and bring some offense. I also think Brock's impact will be determined by his role. He may be most successful working up from the 4th line however. I'm not that familiar with Ashton. No matter the case I believe UND has more questions marks on the front end than the back end.

Will Zellers for two more years sounds good to me!

Like I said, If UND gets a Carels or Dupont they have to take them. I'm just saying another guy in the image of Emery but maybe not quite that highly regarded is no loss with the current roster. UND doesn't necessarily need more offensive players on the back-end. IMO they absolutely could use more offense up front(specifically a center.). I do expect the sophomore forward class to be exceptional next year...at least they should be.

UND still has guys on the back-end that can help create offense without Carels, Dupont, etc. I'm more concerned with their ability to control play against top lines from teams like Duluth, Michigan, BU, BC and so on. Give me a good defensive defenseman and find another scoring forward this year, (specifically a center after losing Rickwood.) Edit: all that being said, if you have the opportunity for Carels, Dupont, or someone like that you have to take them and that solves that but unfortunately you'll be having the same conversation next year or two years from now.

I love the excitement and intangibles that offensive minded defenseman can bring but I'd argue this group could use 1 more stay at home/shutdown guy more than anything come tournament time. Give me a 6'3" 200lb guy that can skate and will be around 3-4 years developing his offensive game.

Rickwood was the stabilizing factor this team needed on the front end. He had some offense as well but more importantly he brought faceoff wins, dependability, energy, experience, and playmaking. The young man will be difficult to replace. Unsung hero in my mind. I'd argue he was as important to this team as anyone. Thankfully, I believe there are two or three guys already on this roster who can step into that role. We shall see. Rickwood will be missed.