Did Johnson make a decision and I missed it? I’m assuming Buffalo wouldn’t want him to play in the last few regular season games so this year isn’t a factor and he’s just deciding where he want to play next year?
Nothing announced as of yet. Hoping he comes back based upon his play the 2nd half of the year.
Did Johnson make a decision and I missed it? I’m assuming Buffalo wouldn’t want him to play in the last few regular season games so this year isn’t a factor and he’s just deciding where he want to play next year?
Radio silence on the Johnson front. Even on the normally rumor filled twitter has been silent and the Buffalo beat writers have been quiet.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Did Johnson make a decision and I missed it? I’m assuming Buffalo wouldn’t want him to play in the last few regular season games so this year isn’t a factor and he’s just deciding where he want to play next year?
Nothing announced as of yet. Hoping he comes back based upon his play the 2nd half of the year.
And the first half. People forget that Johnson was one of the few players playing his game well in the first half. His consistency is what makes him so valuable imo.
Is no news kind of good news at this point? Or does the length of time it is taking Johnson to make his decision not really tell us anything?
The only news on Johnson I have seen lately is this from a Buffalo beat writer. He said that the Buffalo GM talked to Johnson after the Frozen Four. The writer also indicated that Johnson may look at the large amount of young Buffalo defenders under the age of 25 and return to school and opt for free agency next summer. Other than this blurb, it has been pretty quiet on any news about his decision. Pure speculation on my part, is he wants to turn pro, but not with Buffalo.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
The only news on Johnson I have seen lately is this from a Buffalo beat writer. He said that the Buffalo GM talked to Johnson after the Frozen Four. The writer also indicated that Johnson may look at the large amount of young Buffalo defenders under the age of 25 and return to school and opt for free agency next summer. Other than this blurb, it has been pretty quiet on any news about his decision. Pure speculation on my part, is he wants to turn pro, but not with Buffalo.
Should be noted that as a first-rounder, Buffalo will get a second-round draft pick if Johnson does not sign. Same goes for the Flyers and BU's Jay O'Brien, who is staying.
I think it’s good news. I think he sees Faber and LaCombe stay and decides to stay too.
Given both Faber and LaCombe coming back, I can't imagine Johnson is thinking that he is more pro ready than those 2.
Given both Faber and LaCombe coming back, I can’t imagine Johnson is thinking that he is more pro ready than those 2.
We've seen less talented players make the choice of leaving the program. I think Johnson is an NHL caliber player, but I also think he could use another year in college.
Given both Faber and LaCombe coming back, I can’t imagine Johnson is thinking that he is more pro ready than those 2.
I think this oversimplifies the decision-making process. Faber and LaCombe coming back isn't necessarily because they don't think they are pro ready. Perhaps LaCombe wants to be able to choose his NHL team. Faber may feel ready, but with the clog of RHD in LA didn't see much point in going now. Both guys probably see a good opportunity to win a championship here next year.
If Johnson goes, it doesn't mean he sees himself as more "pro ready" in comparison to those two--his circumstances may just be different.
We've seen players leave at didn't think would and players stay we thought were gone. In don't think there's anything obvious to point to at this time. However it feels (right or wrong) that the more time he takes the more likely it is that he leaves. And if he does more power to him and good luck.
We’ve seen players leave at didn’t think would and players stay we thought were gone. In don’t think there’s anything obvious to point to at this time. However it feels (right or wrong) that the more time he takes the more likely it is that he leaves. And if he does more power to him and good luck.
Meyers was the only underclassman 110% gone (based on age & performance this season) getting Faber & Knies back is huge & while at seasons start I thought Lacombe & Johnson would likely sign at years end, it won’t hurt either (long term) to come back for another run at an NCAA title.
Cal Thomas is a guy that supposedly every program in the nation was after and the Chicago Steel traded for to make a playoff run. Any chance he gets some minutes next year? Gonna be the most competitive d-group I think we've ever had (Brooks era gurus don't crucify me).
Admittedly, I don't have hard data to back this feeling up but... I feel like (most) players that take a while to decide whether to come back usually disappoint the following season.
Maybe it is because they spend so much mental energy thinking about leaving that they feel somewhat disappointed when they do return (so they don't maintain the same fire in their belly for college). I don't know...
I like when guys make a timely/definitive decision to return and everything moves forward. It makes me more comfortable that they want to be on the college level the following season and we can expect to see that energy from them on the ice.
I am not saying a guy can't take some time to think it over... but I just feel less sure about their true desire to be in college when it drags on longer and longer.
I've noticed that too sometimes. However Johnson seems like the most level headed hard working "first rounder" ever. I have no doubt if he comes back he'll be fantastic.
Admittedly, I don’t have hard data to back this feeling up but… I feel like (most) players that take a while to decide whether to come back usually disappoint the following season. Maybe it is because they spend so much mental energy thinking about leaving that they feel somewhat disappointed when they do return (so they don’t maintain the same fire in their belly for college). I don’t know… I like when guys make a timely/definitive decision to return and everything moves forward. It makes me more comfortable that they want to be on the college level the following season and we can expect to see that energy from them on the ice. I am not saying a guy can’t take some time to think it over… but I just feel less sure about their true desire to be in college when it drags on longer and longer.
I think in most cases you’re correct (on this) but as M&G noted, Johnson seems very level headed & if he comes back after mulling it over…he may be the exception to that general sentiment.
At some point you have to decide how, when, where, and with whom you will train during the summer. You're going to have to line up trainers, ice time etc. and after it. Plan your work and work your plan.
As my granny always said, "Shit or get off the pot!"
Cal Thomas is a guy that supposedly every program in the nation was after and the Chicago Steel traded for to make a playoff run. Any chance he gets some minutes next year? Gonna be the most competitive d-group I think we’ve ever had (Brooks era gurus don’t crucify me).
If Johnson comes back are we sure Thomas will even come in...
Faber/Koster/Lacombe/Johnson/Chesley + 2 of Mittelstadt/Staudacher/Fish/Thomas...
Playing time will not be easy to come by. A good problem to have for fans but tough for players
The question is, what was the agreement with Cal when he flipped to Mn? Did Bob guarantee him a spot for this upcoming season? If Johnson comes back, it may be the best choice for the Gophers for Cal to go back to the USHL, but Cal may not agree with that path and I would hate to lose him. Plus, he is Faber's best friend and may just want to be on the team with him, even if his playing time is limited. Time will tell I guess. It is nice to be in a position to have to push a guy back instead of being desperate to bring him in ( Clayton Phillips ).
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Cal Thomas is a guy that supposedly every program in the nation was after and the Chicago Steel traded for to make a playoff run. Any chance he gets some minutes next year? Gonna be the most competitive d-group I think we’ve ever had (Brooks era gurus don’t crucify me).
If Johnson comes back are we sure Thomas will even come in… Faber/Koster/Lacombe/Johnson/Chesley + 2 of Mittelstadt/Staudacher/Fish/Thomas… Playing time will not be easy to come by. A good problem to have for fans but tough for players
Fish might as well enter the Portal. He won't see any ice.
Fish might as well enter the Portal. He won’t see any ice.
Would hate to see that because he epitomizes what a lot of fans are hoping to see more of on the roster. Even if there are just a couple of them and they don't play much.
Someone from places like STP public schools (or Delano, New Prague, etc.) that is clearly proud to wear the M, and will stand up for teammates.
I agree on Fish. I hope he stays and accepts his role. He seems like he truly enjoys his role on the team, like Sorenson. His parents and relatives always show up in their Fish jerseys.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
I would assume Cal didn't switch commitments only to play a year in the USHL. But I doubt Bob was expecting everyone to come back either. If Johnson comes back and Chesley arrives, the playing time next year could be scarce for players like Fish. But is Cal really going to take his spot?
I haven't followed Cal. I only know he was a 6th round pick and switched his allegiance from VT to MN.
There should be plenty of opportunity to play in 2023-2024 for those who are patient.
I agree on Fish. I hope he stays and accepts his role. He seems like he truly enjoys his role on the team, like Sorenson. His parents and relatives always show up in their Fish jerseys.
if we get Johnson back I think Staudacher to portal might be best. I imagine he’s higher scholarship than Fish. Also, Fish has more eligibility. Could help us next year to not have to replace almost entire D corp.
I’m not sure we could get Thomas back to juniors, but Chicago is best possible spot for him to develop if in USHL. We’ve never had a USHL defensemen of the year, maybe he could be our first…
Faber, Johnson
Lacombe, Chesley
koster, Mittelstadt
Fish
I agree on Fish. I hope he stays and accepts his role. He seems like he truly enjoys his role on the team, like Sorenson. His parents and relatives always show up in their Fish jerseys.
if we get Johnson back I think Staudacher to portal might be best. I imagine he’s higher scholarship than Fish. Also, Fish has more eligibility. Could help us next year to not have to replace almost entire D corp. I’m not sure we could get Thomas back to juniors, but Chicago is best possible spot for him to develop if in USHL. We’ve never had a USHL defensemen of the year, maybe he could be our first… Faber, Johnson Lacombe, Chesley koster, Mittelstadt Fish
Staudacher? He provides nice physicality and has tons of experience which is valuable. I do agree that he better work his ass off if he doesn’t want Mittelstadt or Thomas or even Fish taking his spot.
Staudacher will have confidence he can continue to beat out Fish for playing time. Also, players need to be in the portal by May 1, so time is running out for that. I don't think anyone transfers. Just know that Staudacher will go from a top 6 D to potentially battling for the 7th D spot with Thomas if Johnson comes back.
Fish won't play much.
Good problem to have because all of these guys we’re talking about, even Staudacher, Fish, Thomas, Mittelstadt are top 6 d men on virtually any other team in the nation.
I agree on Fish. I hope he stays and accepts his role. He seems like he truly enjoys his role on the team, like Sorenson. His parents and relatives always show up in their Fish jerseys.[/quote
When the guys went to the Olympics, Fish stepped up his game. Tough ( good ) problem for Motzko. What good players to go with in the upcoming season.
It’s about to get interesting
It’s about to get interesting
The last time you gave us Cooley. I hope this is good news as well...
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
That's the same guy? 100% credibility so far. Maybe a transfer before the portal closes May 1. Johnson?
This new set-up is tough! Doesn’t make it easy to get back in here.
Not sure about Johnson, but there are potentially 3 big news items this week, none of them good I’m afraid.
Oh boy
it’s annoying when people post stuff like that. Either share the news or bite your tongue until it’s public. ?♀️
This new set-up is tough! Doesn’t make it easy to get back in here. Not sure about Johnson, but there are potentially 3 big news items this week, none of them good I’m afraid.
Tell us
This new set-up is tough! Doesn’t make it easy to get back in here. Not sure about Johnson, but there are potentially 3 big news items this week, none of them good I’m afraid.
Dude
Wish you just didn’t say anything now
If Goldy Shuffle posts it, it is law.
I’ll leave it at this. Just like with Cooley, I would think most fans could figure this out. I’d bet Bonin could guess the majority of what I’m getting at. My reluctance to share is because it is very sensitive, as things could still change and it’s an EXTREMELY complex chain of events…which could lead to a “4th”negative.
people will get wrong of the why I can guarantee that
This new set-up is tough! Doesn’t make it easy to get back in here. Not sure about Johnson, but there are potentially 3 big news items this week, none of them good I’m afraid.
3 big things in April?! Big news week.
1. Mel Pearson extension??
2. Mike Hastings to BU?
This new set-up is tough! Doesn’t make it easy to get back in here. Not sure about Johnson, but there are potentially 3 big news items this week, none of them good I’m afraid.
3 big things in April?! Big news week. 1. Mel Pearson extension?? 2. Mike Hastings to BU?
Hastings did an interview between periods of the Wild game in front of the door to the locker room and made a point of saying he was looking forward to next year. They showed the whole team there in a suite. The interview seemed kinda weird, like why is a college coach getting interviewed between periods of a NHL game. Almost like he asked for it to be done.
I’ll leave it at this. Just like with Cooley, I would think most fans could figure this out. I’d bet Bonin could guess the majority of what I’m getting at. My reluctance to share is because it is very sensitive, as things could still change and it’s an EXTREMELY complex chain of events…which could lead to a “4th”negative. people will get wrong of the why I can guarantee that
if you can’t share then don’t dangle non-information!
If you have ties to the persons in question would they appreciate you stirring up speculation here?
This is how rumors start.
Ok so goldy shuffle on here starting god knows what. From what I’ve gathered from his posts in the past couple hours, Lucius drama?
If it’s something like Walker to the portal that’s not negative imo
I’ll leave it at this. Just like with Cooley, I would think most fans could figure this out. I’d bet Bonin could guess the majority of what I’m getting at. My reluctance to share is because it is very sensitive, as things could still change and it’s an EXTREMELY complex chain of events…which could lead to a “4th”negative. people will get wrong of the why I can guarantee that
Broz to portal???
Look man, the Cooley scoop was great but this just dropping in and giving vague hints of what might happen is not exactly helpful. You’re too vague to be helpful to us fans and yet you are potentially stirring up rumors about the people (players/coaches/player’s parents/staff/etc.) that could be potentially damaging, or at the very least the info is currently private. If it’s too sensitive of information to say what it is then keep it to yourself. If you really want to be the first with the scoop then just post it and own it. Either way man, figure it out.
At the very least can you give us a timeline of when we can expect to hear all of this news?
Until one of his scoops turn out wrong, he is the most reliable source of inside info on this whole site (I know 1 for 1 is a small sample size but that's still 100%). Respect the fact he would even give us a hint and respect the sensitivity of the info.
Until one of his scoops turn out wrong, he is the most reliable source of inside info on this whole site (I know 1 for 1 is a small sample size but that’s still 100%). Respect the fact he would even give us a hint and respect the sensitivity of the info.
I think the feedback is justified. What value is being provided by saying a lot of negative news could potentially be on the way, but not providing details?
All it has done is make people worry and potentially start bogus rumors. What if nothing ever happens? Are we supposed to wait for this bad news on pins and needles all offseason?
Best to either provide all the details or just don’t share at all.
He said this week. Transfer portal entry closes May 1. I'm sure if something happens it will be soon.
This new set-up is tough! Doesn’t make it easy to get back in here. Not sure about Johnson, but there are potentially 3 big news items this week, none of them good I’m afraid.
3 big things in April?! Big news week. 1. Mel Pearson extension?? 2. Mike Hastings to BU?
How would these negatively affect the Gophers?
This new set-up is tough! Doesn’t make it easy to get back in here. Not sure about Johnson, but there are potentially 3 big news items this week, none of them good I’m afraid.
3 big things in April?! Big news week. 1. Mel Pearson extension?? 2. Mike Hastings to BU?
How would these negatively affect the Gophers?
I'm not sure he meant it like that. Just that a lot of other stuff is going down outside of the program, too.