as15

I thought Ausmus was a 2014 recruit for DU?

Bjugstad, Haula, and Schmidt were pretty much givens to leave early. Budish was a possibility. You have to admit Alt is somewhat of a surprise early departure.

He must have a connecting flight through Hamilton before he goes to Wheeling. There is no way he is good enough to step right into the AHL.

Now just waiting for Knight (and Forbort?) in terms of NHL contracts. Gleason and Rowney for possible NHL contracts, more like AHL or ECHL, imo.

Lol

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2013/04/02_chn_player_of_the_year_danny.php Kristo named the College Hockey News Player of the Year

I agree with him not being strong enough, but if he isn't fast enough, then really nobody is.

Do you really think Kristo is going to report to the ECHL?

Totally agree, so much poise offensively for a freshman d-man. This will be his first off-season under an NCAA workout program, hopefully he comes in next fall after adding 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason.

I think everyone is speculating that he will stay at least one more year, he is not ready for the NHL. There is still a lot he can learn at the NCAA level.

I think all three player's being discussed, Knight, Kristo, and Grimaldi, have a solid chance at having NHL careers. I know people will disagree with me, and thats fine. A lot of highly talented players coming out of college are missing something in there game that doesn't allow them to succeed at the NHL level. Knight, Kristo, and Grimaldi are all offensive players at the NCAA level, no one can dispute that. Do they need to be in Top-6 roles to be successful at the NHL level? I don't think they do. Kristo and Grimaldi are extremely tenacious forecheckers, if there offensive skills don't translate, they could be very good energy-line wingers. We all know about Knight's faceoff ability and defensive prowess, I really think those things are what will get him paid. Knight is the epitome of what you want in a third line center at the NHL level.

Have all three signed already, or just speculation still?

Pretty much.

Stecher will come in before Poolman. The two guarantees to come in next year (defenseman with no Junior eligibility left) are Stecher and LaDue, everyone else is still at least somewhat of a question mark.

I think his stock has dropped quite a bit this year. He was in the conversation as a first rounder to start the year, now he will probably go third round or later. None of thats mean he will or won't be a great player at UND.

Rocco Grimaldi, Corban Knight, and Danny Kristo are at best "long shots" to play in the NHL? Your definition of long shot must be a lot different than mine.

Thompson coming in only if Forbort leaves?

Caggiula-Tambellini-Rocco

The only place that could match his talent level would be on an NHL team. Knight and Kristo are about as good as it gets outside of the NHL. When (if) Kristo steps into the AHL, he will be one of the most talented players in that league. Rocco's quickness and speed are absolutely world class, but his decision making and finishing skills still leaves something to be desired. He is not NHL ready, yet. After one more year at UND, I think he might be.

Fire Hak, hire Eades.

Yeah, I don't mind them either, there isn't really a drop off there, but there isn't a ridiculous top line that we are accustomed to having either. It is going to be a team of two second lines, and two third lines, with basically 4 offensive defenseman and two, two-way guys (Forbort and Simpson).

This is a huge question for next year, and IMO, the answer will determine whether UND will make the NCAA's next year or not. I think a guy like Mark MacMillan could step up, and Dillon Simpson will have to lead on defense. I am preparing for the worst and assuming Forbort turns pro.

No, he will be one year to old, which is pretty amazing since the majority of players will have aged out of juniors by the time they start college, he will almost be eligible after he graduates.

I don't think the potential of next years team will be as high as this year, but I think the records will be very similar. I think Rocco will have a monster year, and MacMillan and Parks will take that next step up and be offensive leaders for this team. Our defenseman should generate a lot of offense, defensively there are some concerns though. Saunders and Gothberg should be the strengths of the team.

This is probably our best recruiting class in a few years, it won't be a huge class, but each player has the potential to be an impact player for this team.