The concern with MSU is how impactful guys like Nilson, Lindstrom, and Mason West will be this year.
They needed alot more from both Nilson and Lindstrom this past year and (will say didn't watch him in Fargo) Mason West just based on stats for the Force I'm a little skeptical on how impactful he'll be his freshman year. Those 3 as far as forwards are concerned will be X factors for them. You can maybe get away with 2/3 being impactful but probably not 1/3 when it gets down to crunch time in the tourney
Based on how I’ve heard Scott Wheeler and others describe how they need to put on a decent amount of weight I’d be pretty surprised if they left after 1 year at UND. IMO it might be 50/50 on if they they play 2/3 years
Also based on their decision to not rush jumping into college this upcoming year they seem to be committed to not rushing things.
which seems like a really smart move all around by them, advisor, and family
If Michigan would miss on Dupont I could see them bringing him in for next year.
Think he turns 18 during late September so that's why he's pushing to play this upcoming year in the NCAA would be my guess. He's one of the "older" 2027 draft elligibles
Didn’t watch him play in Fargo at all but based on his stat line this year was curious if he would actually go to MSU for 2026. Preston seems like a slim possibility but I don’t think this is new news behind the scenes so my guess is he knew this already when he decided to back to the WHL for one more year
Looking ahead to the Hall of Fame Game vs MSU, curious to see who picks thay up on TV. For promo of the school would rather see it picked up by FS1 / Big Ten network honestly compared to Midco. (Guessing it’ll be Midco probably though)
Based on this draft class I could see him going in the 25 - 32 range.
Based on his jump this year he’s as sure a thing as those other prospects in that range
If he hits he’s could be a solid 2/3 pair d man + if you think of teams in that range he could be ready to jump in to playing in 2 years as well since some of those teams are more of your cup contenders
Agreed on Verhoeff regarding the microscope. Plus along with that microscope he played in the Hlinka, WJC, and the U-18's, on top of playing the max length of college season you can play (outside of 1 game). Think he's earned a much deserved little break this summer to do a reset and refocus on his improvements which I'm confident he will.
Also per the athletic pod sounds like a lot of teams weren’t very fond of Tommy Bleyl opting to return to the Q since he already tore it up. Apparently he wants more ice time than just being on MSUs 2nd pair. (A little greedy by him IMO)
With that being the case think he checks a lot of boxes for UND. Likely Zellers replacement. Can reset in the WHL and round out his game a little more so he’d be a guy that can make an impact right away when he steps foot on campus.