Surprise! Mark Alt signs with the Flyers

While we're still waiting on word of the Erik Haula signing, the Gophers took another hit today when Mark Alt signed with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Alt's departure makes four early exits for Minnesota.  Bjugstad (FLA), Schmidt (WAS) and Budish (NSH's AHL team) are the other three.

Although not entirely unexpected (save for Alt leaving), this offseason has been damaging for the Maroon and Gold.

According to his Twitter feed, it appears that defenseman-recruit Tommy Vanelli is going to be coming in next season to replace the departing Alt.  The former Minnetonka Skipper was slated to play a year in the USHL, but Alt's departure leaves room for him on the roster.  Vanelli will join an incoming freshman class of Taylor Cammarata, Hudson Fasching, Justin Kloos, and Michael Brodzinski (and redshirt freshman Connor Reilly).