Nick Bjugstad has signed with the Florida Panthers today, according to Gopher Hockey.
Bjugstad, a third-team all-WCHA player this season, scored 21 goals and added 15 assists for a total of 36 points, tied for third on the team with Zach Budish and behind Erik Haula and Kyle Rau. Fairly or not, much of this Gopher team's failure to advance beyond the first round of the NCAA tournament rests squarely on Bjugstad's shoulders. The preseason All-American did not come anywhere near those lofty expectations - likewise, this team, which was rated #1 or #2 all season long in the polls, did not live up to its potential. Bjugstad definitely leaves large skates to fill, but his tenure in the maroon and gold may be more a question of "what if" than anything else. Bjugstad will make his NHL debut this Saturday.
In other potential Gopher news, the Minnesota Wild (who own the rights to Erik Haula) have traded prospect Johan Larsson and goalie Matt Hackett for winger Jason Pominville. The Wild have a stacked farm system, which led many to speculate that they may be looking to deal Haula. Instead, perhaps they dealt a prospect from the system to make room for Haula. More as the story develops.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Another Departure: Jared Larson to Transfer
Gopher forward Jared Larson will leave the Gophers and transfer to another D1 school.
Larson played in four games this season, and his Gopher career included 12 total games played.
There reportedly was no bad blood between Larson and the Gophers - he just wanted to go somewhere that he'd have more of an opportunity to play.
This is the third early departure of the day today, coming on the heels of the signings of Nate Schmidt and Zach Budish.
Larson played in four games this season, and his Gopher career included 12 total games played.
There reportedly was no bad blood between Larson and the Gophers - he just wanted to go somewhere that he'd have more of an opportunity to play.
This is the third early departure of the day today, coming on the heels of the signings of Nate Schmidt and Zach Budish.
Two Down, Two to Go: Schmidt, Budish Sign Pro Contracts
According to sources, Nate Schmidt and Zach Budish have signed with pro teams, ending their Gopher careers.
Schmidt, a free agent, signed a two-year entry level deal with the Washington Capitals.
No official word has come down on Budish yet, but Nashville owns his rights.
Both players will be missed in the maroon and gold next year.
Schmidt, a free agent, signed a two-year entry level deal with the Washington Capitals.
No official word has come down on Budish yet, but Nashville owns his rights.
Both players will be missed in the maroon and gold next year.
Gopher Hockey Rumor Mill: Bjugstad, Schmidt, Haula, Budish (?) Expected to Sign
With the 2012-2013 season officially in the rearview mirror for the Gophers, the team now looks to its next big decision points: the early signing of players from this year's roster.
We already know that Seth Helgeson will not return next season, as the senior used up his four years of eligibility and graduated. Nothing is official yet, but it is all but certain that Nick Bjugstad (FLA) and Erik Haula (MIN) will sign with their professional teams. It's also nearly a foregone conclusion that Nate Schmidt will sign as a free-agent, foregoing his senior season.
An interesting situation to keep an eye on is that of Zach Budish. The redshirt junior and team captain already has his degree from the University, but has indicated that he wants to return for his senior season. However, the coaching staff has apparently indicated that they wouldn't mind if Budish signed with Nashville.
Gopher coach Don Lucia has stated that at the very least the team will be bringing in four new players in forwards Taylor Cammarata, Justin Kloos, Hudson Fasching and defenseman Michael Brodzinksi. Given that, it would make sense that they have been expecting the four players listed above to be exiting the program this offseason.
I, for one, hope Budish is still wearing the maroon and gold next season. As for the other three guys, I think the realistic fan should expect them to be gone and be very, very pleasantly surprised if any of them decide to stick around for another shot at the national title.
We already know that Seth Helgeson will not return next season, as the senior used up his four years of eligibility and graduated. Nothing is official yet, but it is all but certain that Nick Bjugstad (FLA) and Erik Haula (MIN) will sign with their professional teams. It's also nearly a foregone conclusion that Nate Schmidt will sign as a free-agent, foregoing his senior season.
An interesting situation to keep an eye on is that of Zach Budish. The redshirt junior and team captain already has his degree from the University, but has indicated that he wants to return for his senior season. However, the coaching staff has apparently indicated that they wouldn't mind if Budish signed with Nashville.
Gopher coach Don Lucia has stated that at the very least the team will be bringing in four new players in forwards Taylor Cammarata, Justin Kloos, Hudson Fasching and defenseman Michael Brodzinksi. Given that, it would make sense that they have been expecting the four players listed above to be exiting the program this offseason.
I, for one, hope Budish is still wearing the maroon and gold next season. As for the other three guys, I think the realistic fan should expect them to be gone and be very, very pleasantly surprised if any of them decide to stick around for another shot at the national title.
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