brianvf

<Raises Hand>

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/daily-skate-riese-gaber-has-a-shot-at-an-uncommon-feat?fbclid=IwAR3Ee-HuyhFyL1bzd0yiExfihyI-MpHK8Yc9TnEZEIukSHh0BHr74bPRfSw

https://www.northstarbets.ca/sportsbook/insights?utm_source=twitter_share&utm_medium=ishare&utm_campaign=99532#news/article/maple-leafs-wait-to-see-matthew-knies-missing-piece-playoff-puzzle Leafs looking to sign Knies once the UMN season is done.

https://www.uscho.com/2023/03/21/berard-leaves-providence-after-junior-season-signs-nhl-contract-with-rangers/ Junior forward from Providence.

What happened with Owen? I haven't heard or seen anything about him. That would be a complete shocker if he went to the portal...he played in every game except two and IMO would be poised to be a top 2 center next season.

I think that game is a lot more "evenly played" if it wasn't on the big sheet. This team, especially in the 1st half with it's many defensive lapses and poor goaltending (although DeRidder did play great the UMN weekend), had those weaknesses exposed even more on the Olympic sheet. Case in point...both the UMN and SCSU weekends. Although we did get that OT winner against UMN.

And probably 2/3 of their top line...and Michigan's top line...won't be playing NCAA hockey next season.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/riese-gaber-to-return-to-und-for-senior-season

I saw that too. He's similar to Costantini in that he had a freshman year that showed a lot of promise and then he tailed off last year. I remember him being quite fast though. If we're looking to add speed, he's one to consider.

+1 Persson the #1 with HH getting some games to gain some NCAA experience.

Matteo had his chances in the lineup, especially to start the season. For more than a few games he was top 6 in the lineup. Eventually when he wasn't producing he was moved down and eventually out of the lineup. From what I saw, he was given chances to produce, but for whatever reason, didn't like his freshman year.

Or...on the flip side...he has a monster year and gets more and better offers.

Agreed. Berry mentioned earlier that they already had conversations with all the players about next season. Many of these moves we're seeing now are more than likely a result of that. My guess is that Bast, Matteo, and Hellsten may have been told that they'd be fighting for a roster spot again next season. And my hope is that part of those conversations are a result of maybe Frisch/Caulfield/Gaber making a decision to return (crossing fingers).

You must have missed the poster yesterday that said Bast was the 5th best dman on his AJHL team.

You could literally ask this question for any program. Geez, Northeastern already has 8 players that have entered the portal. For whatever reason, Costantini and Johnson couldn't crack the lineup so they're looking elsewhere.

He's mentioned it in multiple articles too. Said he has high-end offensive skill but still needs to work on his defensive coverage.

So far no huge surprises and no losses that would make me think that our team will be worse next season. With Bast departing, if Frisch returns, we can go to the portal for one dman to help while the young new dmen learn the NCAA ropes.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/the-daily-skate-more-than-50-players-enter-the-transfer-portal-in-a-day

Geez forgot all about Budy last year. Looked him up...didn't realize he was playing for RPI this season. 30gp - 0g - 5a.

Yes, of course there could be. But, you would think if you were already set on going portal route, that you'd want to get your name on the portal list as soon as possible to help your chances of getting picked up. As Sicatoka mentioned earlier, a good chunk of the portal entrants don't find a new school as it is anyway.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-hockey/unds-brent-johnson-and-jakob-hellsten-enter-the-transfer-portal

So far no "unexpected" portal entrants from UND, which would be a huge plus if it ends up that way. If we're able to retain 18, 4, 24, etc...that'd be welcome for next season. And I wonder how long until we hear future plans for Frisch, Gaber, etc.

A few interesting players in the portal already, and it's only day 1 of the non-grads available to enter. Hopefully Brad and Co are on the phone with a few of them already, since they don't have any games to prepare for this weekend.