His ceiling is still 1st line winger.I'm not sure he will ever be a high end player, but I would bet that he's in the NHL before the end of the season. I would also bet that he plays a lot of games in the NHLOliver Moore is not an NHL hockey player. Zero hockey sense. Baffles me he turned pro.
What do you think his ceiling is? There are parts of his game that are certainly well above average, but I think the way he processes the game will limit him to bottom 6 unfortunately.
I agree that the most likely outcome is as a bottom 6 forward who kills penalties
Moore needed another year to simply understand he is no longer the fastest guy on the ice. Things he could get away with at lower levels - skating past/around everyone for example - just don’t work at higher levels. He needs to learn (and learn quickly) to move the puck before he gets into trouble.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Knies on Spittin Chiclets; 2022-23 Gophers as a generational squad
(The Clownlets gang are all pretty dumb and bad interviewers to boot. I’m reminded of when they had Cole Caufield on and Biz spent half the ep talking about how kids shouldn’t go to college these days.)
As part of their Bold 2025-2026 predictions for each NHL team, they said that Rinzel will win the Calder Trophy.
Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Rinzel will win the Calder Trophy
There’s a real possibility Rinzel is this season’s Lane Hutson. Whether Rinzel gets to 60-plus points might depend on the team around him. Rinzel enters the season as the Blackhawks’ No. 1 defenseman. He’s going to play 25-plus minutes a night. He’s going to be on the top power play. He’s going to spend a lot of time playing with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. He’s going to get every opportunity to have a Hutson-like season. — Scott Powers
Erik Johnson has joined ESPN as a color commentator. Presumably just NHL but we'll see when the NCAA tournament swings around.
Connor Kurth already reassigned to the ECHL. Maybe not a great idea to turn pro.
https://orlandosolarbearshockey.com/news/2025/10/solar-bears-announce-multiple-transactions
Connor Kurth already reassigned to the ECHL. Maybe not a great idea to turn pro.
https://orlandosolarbearshockey.com/news/2025/10/solar-bears-announce-multiple-transactions
tbqh, I kinda saw it (early departure for a pro deal) coming w/ his Gentry Academy background. Usually reflects being raised and developed with a much different mentality compared to “standard” products of the MN high school/community model.
Kurth graduated in 3 years and got his degree. Tampa owned his rights and were short on prospects because of all trades they made to win the cup. I don't blame him at all, although I never thought he would be an NHL player right away. I'm to the point if a drafted player stays 3 years, I'm happy, and any 4 year drafted players is a bonus. Not a fan of 1 and done players, and if a 2 year player leaves, he better be on the NHL roster.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
A name to watch as the Gopher coaching pipeline is pretty dry right now.
https://twitter.com/mikemcmahonchn/status/1980258233714434122?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
A name to watch as the Gopher coaching pipeline is pretty dry right now.
https://twitter.com/mikemcmahonchn/status/1980258233714434122?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Happy for the Closer.
I gotta imagine Raboin is by far the top candidate to be next Gophers head coach after Bob’s done, and I’d be happy with it seeing what he’s done for Augustana so far
A name to watch as the Gopher coaching pipeline is pretty dry right now.
https://twitter.com/mikemcmahonchn/status/1980258233714434122?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Happy for the Closer.
I gotta imagine Raboin is by far the top candidate to be next Gophers head coach after Bob’s done, and I’d be happy with it seeing what he’s done for Augustana so far
Raboin would be fine as long as they also then hire someone to be GM. No NTDP or Canadian connection with him and the recruiting game is wildly different now. Would assume he and Potulny will get a bunch of steam (for better or worse). Would have no problem if they went outside the M given what the pool looks like.
A name to watch as the Gopher coaching pipeline is pretty dry right now.
https://twitter.com/mikemcmahonchn/status/1980258233714434122?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Happy for the Closer.
I gotta imagine Raboin is by far the top candidate to be next Gophers head coach after Bob’s done, and I’d be happy with it seeing what he’s done for Augustana so far
Ben Barr
A name to watch as the Gopher coaching pipeline is pretty dry right now.
https://twitter.com/mikemcmahonchn/status/1980258233714434122?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Happy for the Closer.
I gotta imagine Raboin is by far the top candidate to be next Gophers head coach after Bob’s done, and I’d be happy with it seeing what he’s done for Augustana so far
Ben Barr
sure he'll be on lists and get he's a MN guy so people have interest, but he also hasn't been here in 25 years nor ever in his coaching career.
Regardless I do agree I hope they cast a wide net and don't just look for former U of M people.
Do whatever needs to be done to hire Nightingale. If not, Barr or Fershweiler would be next on my list
Do whatever needs to be done to hire Nightingale. If not, Barr or Fershweiler would be next on my list
Neither Fersh nor Nightangale would leave. They’re at their Alma maters and are paid handsomely. Barr would be in Minneapolis before Coyle hangs up the phone, he’s your guy.
An interesting hypothetical I’ve thought of is what if Bob lands Fitzhenry and/or Schneider, and presumably lands Joey Cullen next year which is assumed. Does he still hang it up when his contract runs out in 2028 and risk losing some pretty high caliber players?
If they’re worried about losing recruits during the coaching switch I’d recommend keeping Gordon on staff. It’s pretty common for new head coaches to keep an assistant from the previous staff and Gordon is an alum and handles a lot of the recruiting so it would make sense.
Do whatever needs to be done to hire Nightingale. If not, Barr or Fershweiler would be next on my list
Neither Fersh nor Nightangale would leave. They’re at their Alma maters and are paid handsomely. Barr would be in Minneapolis before Coyle hangs up the phone, he’s your guy.
An interesting hypothetical I’ve thought of is what if Bob lands Fitzhenry and/or Schneider, and presumably lands Joey Cullen next year which is assumed. Does he still hang it up when his contract runs out in 2028 and risk losing some pretty high caliber players?
If they’re worried about losing recruits during the coaching switch I’d recommend keeping Gordon on staff. It’s pretty common for new head coaches to keep an assistant from the previous staff and Gordon is an alum and handles a lot of the recruiting so it would make sense.
would imagine many of them are committed to play for the U (and the style the U is known for in addition to the way it puts rather than for tBob. Outstate guys would be a little more worrisome but I don’t think Bob sells coming as coming to play for him, but for the program.
With the portal being what it is now though, wouldn’t even enter the calculus to me as that’s job #2 during any coaching transition after keeping the guys you want to hang onto who are already on the team
Do whatever needs to be done to hire Nightingale. If not, Barr or Fershweiler would be next on my list
Neither Fersh nor Nightangale would leave. They’re at their Alma maters and are paid handsomely. Barr would be in Minneapolis before Coyle hangs up the phone, he’s your guy.
An interesting hypothetical I’ve thought of is what if Bob lands Fitzhenry and/or Schneider, and presumably lands Joey Cullen next year which is assumed. Does he still hang it up when his contract runs out in 2028 and risk losing some pretty high caliber players?
If they’re worried about losing recruits during the coaching switch I’d recommend keeping Gordon on staff. It’s pretty common for new head coaches to keep an assistant from the previous staff and Gordon is an alum and handles a lot of the recruiting so it would make sense.
would imagine many of them are committed to play for the U (and the style the U is known for in addition to the way it puts rather than for tBob. Outstate guys would be a little more worrisome but I don’t think Bob sells coming as coming to play for him, but for the program.
With the portal being what it is now though, wouldn’t even enter the calculus to me as that’s job #2 during any coaching transition after keeping the guys you want to hang onto who are already on the team
I think recruits are drawn to coaching staffs more than you’d think in the modern day. I remember Knies being pretty open about Bob (and at the time Raboin and Gordo) being the main draw to come to Minnesota. After his two years here it sounds like he’s all Minnesota and bleeds maroon and gold but as an impressionable teenager, the coaches you’re gonna play under certainly play a role in a young kid’s recruitment.
All this to say in a perfect world you’re right the player is committed to the program but in reality that’s not always the case. Keeping Gordon on I still think makes sense but this is still a few years down the line. Trying not to get ahead of myself here.
Do whatever needs to be done to hire Nightingale. If not, Barr or Fershweiler would be next on my list
Neither Fersh nor Nightangale would leave. They’re at their Alma maters and are paid handsomely. Barr would be in Minneapolis before Coyle hangs up the phone, he’s your guy.
An interesting hypothetical I’ve thought of is what if Bob lands Fitzhenry and/or Schneider, and presumably lands Joey Cullen next year which is assumed. Does he still hang it up when his contract runs out in 2028 and risk losing some pretty high caliber players?
If they’re worried about losing recruits during the coaching switch I’d recommend keeping Gordon on staff. It’s pretty common for new head coaches to keep an assistant from the previous staff and Gordon is an alum and handles a lot of the recruiting so it would make sense.
would imagine many of them are committed to play for the U (and the style the U is known for in addition to the way it puts rather than for tBob. Outstate guys would be a little more worrisome but I don’t think Bob sells coming as coming to play for him, but for the program.
With the portal being what it is now though, wouldn’t even enter the calculus to me as that’s job #2 during any coaching transition after keeping the guys you want to hang onto who are already on the team
I think recruits are drawn to coaching staffs more than you’d think in the modern day. I remember Knies being pretty open about Bob (and at the time Raboin and Gordo) being the main draw to come to Minnesota. After his two years here it sounds like he’s all Minnesota and bleeds maroon and gold but as an impressionable teenager, the coaches you’re gonna play under certainly play a role in a young kid’s recruitment.
All this to say in a perfect world you’re right the player is committed to the program but in reality that’s not always the case. Keeping Gordon on I still think makes sense but this is still a few years down the line. Trying not to get ahead of myself here.
my counter to that is where is Knies from? Schneider and Fitzhenry possibly a little different, but Cullen in theory is coming to play with his brothers and the other commits are all early in states. As I said, think the out state guys you’re absolutely right coaching stability/staff matters a lot more
that said, if you hire a massive style clash (think Hastings), then yes that could scare off any committed guy.
anyway, Bob’s our coach and he strikes me as someone who’s going to be transparent and up front with recruits on this type of thing and I’ll worry about it whenever Bob actually says he’s ready to retire
With respect to losing commits, Coyle has to have ongoing conversations with Bob to guage his exit strategy, and with that as much as possible know their prime targets and go after them before Bob's departure is revealed.
If Bob enters 2027-28 with no extension signed, I just wonder if programs will be lurking like ssnakes in the grass poaching commits.
If Bob enters 2027-28 with no extension signed, I just wonder if programs will be lurking like ssnakes in the grass poaching commits.
I'd expect nothing less and would hope Bob has been doing the same.
Look I think most of us agree that it's probably time for Bob to move on after his current contract and with that you're just going to lose some commits.
If Bob enters 2027-28 with no extension signed, I just wonder if programs will be lurking like ssnakes in the grass poaching commits.
I'd expect nothing less and would hope Bob has been doing the same.
Look I think most of us agree that it's probably time for Bob to move on after his current contract and with that you're just going to lose some commits.
One potential complication is that Bob’s recent recruiting seems to be gearing up for a 2027-2029 championship window.
If we look like a contender/title favorite heading into 2027-28, then I imagine Bob likely signs a short-term extension to reduce potential distractions, maybe we name an “associate head coach” like Notre Dame and Clarkson did. edit: I didn’t realize Miller’s title was associate HC.
regardless, I don’t have any strong opinions as to what Bob’s next move should be. If I could predict how things will look by then, I’d be spending all my time at the casino instead. Like in 2014 or 2015, I kinda doubt whether anyone predicted exactly how or why tDon’s tenure would come to an end 3-4 years later.
If Bob enters 2027-28 with no extension signed, I just wonder if programs will be lurking like ssnakes in the grass poaching commits.
I'd expect nothing less and would hope Bob has been doing the same.
Look I think most of us agree that it's probably time for Bob to move on after his current contract and with that you're just going to lose some commits.
If we look like a contender/title favorite heading into 2027-28, then I imagine Bob likely signs a short-term extension to reduce potential distractions, maybe we name an “associate head coach” like Notre Dame and Clarkson did.
Steve Miller has been the Associate Head Coach since he joined the program in 2022.
Ooc what are the differences between an assistant and associate head coach beyond the verbiage?
🤣
I found this, although it is more specifically discussing the NHL, I would guess the same applies in college (or pro-lite, whatever we are calling “college” athletics these days.) 😆
https://www.hockeyskillstraining.com/assistant-coach-vs-associate-coach/
If Bob enters 2027-28 with no extension signed, I just wonder if programs will be lurking like ssnakes in the grass poaching commits.
I'd expect nothing less and would hope Bob has been doing the same.
Look I think most of us agree that it's probably time for Bob to move on after his current contract and with that you're just going to lose some commits.
If we look like a contender/title favorite heading into 2027-28, then I imagine Bob likely signs a short-term extension to reduce potential distractions, maybe we name an “associate head coach” like Notre Dame and Clarkson did.
Steve Miller has been the Associate Head Coach since he joined the program in 2022.
Miller's rejected every head coaching overture that he's had. Doesn't seem to be what he wants.
Notre Dame had Pooley and Slaggert with that title before bringing in Sheahan.
Cooley gets paid..
https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1983534806731489362
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
From a couple of days ago.. Matthew Wood scores his 1st NHL goal.
https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1984059629928677874
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
https://twitter.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1987621785899053531?s=20
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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https://twitter.com/GopherGameNotes/status/1988076750723837996
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Wood, Snuggerud and Rinzel firmly in the Calder race. Love to see it.
Wood's 10 pts in 11 games is pretty impressive
11 months ago Wood was cut from the Canadian under 20 World Junior team. What a great decision. 😉 🤣 He clearly would have help the team.
At 20 years old he is kickin' butt in the NHL. He leads Nashville in points per game. 6 goals in 11 games is quite the start to his NHL career.
11 months ago Wood was cut from the Canadian under 20 World Junior team. What a great decision. 😉 🤣 He clearly would have help the team.
At 20 years old he is kickin' butt in the NHL. He leads Nashville in points per game. 6 goals in 11 games is quite the start to his NHL career.
you don't think the goal was to lose to the US and Latvia (lol) in the group stages and get bounced in the quarters after only scoring 13 total goals after leaving a whole bunch of offensive threats off the roster?
The Farm Kid is having a pretty good start this year.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
https://twitter.com/patmick2626/status/1988670166809604105
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Will be nice to hear him in the tv booth soon even if Eric Clymerhorn is sounding like a natural.
what happened to Pat? In the hospital for 24 days?
I will let Pat disclose it if he wants. He is usually pretty transparent with his health issues, so I'm betting he will let people know if he wants to.
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
Not very objective
Rinzel playing as the 7th defenseman for the Blackhawks now. His minutes are being slowly reduced. Will be interesting to monitor.
Rinzel playing as the 7th defenseman for the Blackhawks now. His minutes are being slowly reduced. Will be interesting to monitor.
We should pull a Quinnipiac and bring him back for his junior season (yes I know we can’t do that).
Rinzel playing as the 7th defenseman for the Blackhawks now. His minutes are being slowly reduced. Will be interesting to monitor.
I haven't followed Chicago at all this year, but wasn't he their #1 defenseman a few weeks ago?
Rinzel playing as the 7th defenseman for the Blackhawks now. His minutes are being slowly reduced. Will be interesting to monitor.
that’s bizarre, he’s played 25min/game for them on a pretty regular basis. Any potential recent injury?
Huglen has had two nice games in a row. 2As Saturday. First AHL points. 1G 1A Wednesday. First AHL goal.
Huglen has had two nice games in a row. 2As Saturday. First AHL points. 1G 1A Wednesday. First AHL goal.
I don’t think he plays with enough pace to get a call up but boy I’d be excited if he did. Fan favorite when he was here. Chatting with Gopher fans over the years, no matter how cynical, seems like everyone loved Huglen.
Something about those #7’s at the U. Always fan favorites.
Pat has every right to his privacy in this area but I am sure we will hear something. On another note... a player I have been a huge fan of since he entered the Gopher locker room is yet again finding his stride. Jaxon Nelson is a VERY talented and versatile player that has at times been overlooked/overshadowed by 'flashier' players. He definitely has what it takes to get to the next level of play. I find it surprising when teams pass him by or let him go. He is a guy that needs to be COACHED, and developed. Very dependent on chemistry with his line but willing to do the hard things. Penalty kill specialist, huge reach, really good skating (watch the replays, he is fast, not slow, just slow foot turnover = power) and nice hands from a size guy. Team player and almost too much pass first. He deserves everything that is happening for him now. He carried us his 5th year. Hard to argue that