Cullen signed his NLI he 100% has accelerated and same with Harper. This team needs all the skill they can get bring them both in.
I mean I see your point but I don’t know if more 18 year olds is the solution to the problem. Tough call. I see pros and cons either way.
I’m all for Cullen playing another year of junior if he wants but Harper on the other hand needs to be a gopher next year even if he’s a 7d pp specialist he’s just too good offensively. He’s a non NTDP player he didn’t just accelerate and sign an NLI for the heck of it and if the gophers don’t bring him in someone else definitely will. He’s out pacing Zayne Parekh in their respective draft-1 years and he ended up going 9th overall in his draft. I’d bet everything I have that part of the recruiting pitch to land him was he could play his draft year as a gopher.
Idk, from what I’ve seen, I personally wouldn’t. That move would reek of desperation. Would rather they go out and get a veteran transfer or an older high end freshman like Blake Fiddler. Harper will be a stud in college when his time comes.
Cullen signed his NLI he 100% has accelerated and same with Harper. This team needs all the skill they can get bring them both in.
I mean I see your point but I don’t know if more 18 year olds is the solution to the problem. Tough call. I see pros and cons either way.
I’m all for Cullen playing another year of junior if he wants but Harper on the other hand needs to be a gopher next year even if he’s a 7d pp specialist he’s just too good offensively. He’s a non NTDP player he didn’t just accelerate and sign an NLI for the heck of it and if the gophers don’t bring him in someone else definitely will. He’s out pacing Zayne Parekh in their respective draft-1 years and he ended up going 9th overall in his draft. I’d bet everything I have that part of the recruiting pitch to land him was he could play his draft year as a gopher.
Idk, from what I’ve seen, I personally wouldn’t. That move would reek of desperation. Would rather they go out and get a veteran transfer or an older high end freshman like Blake Fiddler. Harper will be a stud in college when his time comes.
If Harper, who has really rocketed up boards and is being mocked in the 1st-2nd (haven’t seen him play much, but that is very high at his size as it’s less a “projection” like say Rinzel who had a bigger frame), wants to come in for his DY to play for a guy who’s developed multiple defensemen with similar skill sets and roles (offense first, let me help you hone the defense), you absolutely take him and that doesn’t reek of desperation
taking him and saying we don’t need to do anything else because he will dominate, now that reeks of desperation.
if he and W Cullen have decided with their families and advisors they think this is the next best step for development, you move others around to bring them in. This team has plenty of holes and needs as much talent in the door as possible. Now if it’s Bob pushing them to come in (would really surprise me based on how he’s done everything) that’s a different story
It feels as though everything is aligning for Harper to arrive this coming fall. It does not mean he is coming in to eat huge minutes. It could - as mentioned above - mean he has a very defined role and contribute to a blue line which needs help. Anyone could benefit from an extra year in juniors but I don't think it even approaches desperation if he can be a regular.
Cullen signed his NLI he 100% has accelerated and same with Harper. This team needs all the skill they can get bring them both in.
This could be the case, but we have recently seen guys sign their NLI 2 years out. (Phillips, grimes, Kvas)
You can’t sign your NLI unless you are considered a senior in high school so that means he had to have accelerated.
Wyatt Cullen is taking over the All-American game. 2G 1A in the second period. His stock is climbing fast. He may go in the first round.
Maybe we do see him next season…
I feel like if you don't you might only get him for a single year if that.Wyatt Cullen is taking over the All-American game. 2G 1A in the second period. His stock is climbing fast. He may go in the first round.
Maybe we do see him next season…
I feel like if you don't you might only get him for a single year if that.Wyatt Cullen is taking over the All-American game. 2G 1A in the second period. His stock is climbing fast. He may go in the first round.
Maybe we do see him next season…
I think he’ll want to play with Joey which means we get him through 2028-29
If I’m Motzko and crew I’m getting Luke and John on the phone with the Cullen brothers and talking to them about how much fun it is to play multiple years at the U with your brother.
Wheeler ranks Cullen 34th on his mid-season draft rankings:
Cullen has a fascinating development story. The son of former NHLer Matt Cullen, he was tiny when he showed up to the national program, including in his U17 year. But he was also one of the youngest players in the class and now the growth has come, he’s up above 6-feet last I heard, and he still has a lot of the little guy elements to his game. Though he has battled injuries throughout his draft year, he has — when healthy — been a bright spot on an NTDP U18 team that doesn’t have many. He was also one of the standouts at this year' Chipotle All-American Game, where he had a goal and two assists. He’s a shifty on-puck handler who blends shoulder fakes into agile cuts and very noticeable lateral mobility. He's a good skater and offensive thinker. He was clearly more talented than his production last year indicated and has caught my eye dating back to U17 worlds in Sarnia when he was really small. I think he's a solid second-round target. He’ll follow his family lineage to the University of Minnesota.
Carter Casey finally gets a start again for Med Hat and has a nice showing stopping 31/34. Hopefully he gets back in the rotation there.
Carter Casey finally gets a start again for Med Hat and has a nice showing stopping 31/34. Hopefully he gets back in the rotation there.
First star of the game as well
Carter Casey gets another start and stops 29 of 31 shots. An obvious small sample size of two starts but hopefully he is settling back in for Medicine Hat.
Gunnar Conboy continues to impress for Green Bay. 18 year olds in college are going to become rarer and rarer but he’s one where it’ll be a no brainer. Should be ready by 2027-28.
Carter Casey gets another start and stops 29 of 31 shots. An obvious small sample size of two starts but hopefully he is settling back in for Medicine Hat.
Good to see, hopefully he gets a few more starts than the previous 2 months.
Harper was a great pick up last summer. He’s the offensive dynamo from the blue line that this team is missing this year.
Conboy added to the U-17 team for the five nations tournament.
https://twitter.com/usahockeyntdp/status/2018383924515475532?s=61&t=-_wGA13cAbVi0rBpXZvfNA
Conboy just scores wherever he’s at
https://twitter.com/usahockeyntdp/status/2018830154123096281?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Sigh. Tossed not even seven minutes into the game. So much for development. He’s missed so many games already and whenever he does play he spends half the game in the penalty box.
https://twitter.com/rms_hockey/status/2019582898127647010?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
So says a national prospect writer.
https://twitter.com/sellishockey/status/2019426103719318007?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Sigh. Tossed not even seven minutes into the game. So much for development. He’s missed so many games already and whenever he does play he spends half the game in the penalty box.
https://twitter.com/rms_hockey/status/2019582898127647010?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
tbh they are really doing him no service having him fight like this. He’s going to really need an extra year of junior somewhere
On a positive note, every time I look it seems Kvas is star of the game.
Love it! From a fan base that moans we’re too soft and get knocked around by everyone, we finally get some attitude and toughness. Maybe people haven’t noticed, with all the new Canadians, there’s way more physical and dirty play. People want the Gophers to adjust, this is part of it
U-18’s win the five nations. Cullen with a goal and assist in this game. Not that Cullen’s a guaranteed first round pick but has there ever been a first round pick from the NTDP that spent a year in junior before going to college? Think he has to come in with the lack of talent on this current gopher team.
https://twitter.com/usahockeyntdp/status/2020462099751670017?s=61&t=-_wGA13cAbVi0rBpXZvfNA
Love it! From a fan base that moans we’re too soft and get knocked around by everyone, we finally get some attitude and toughness. Maybe people haven’t noticed, with all the new Canadians, there’s way more physical and dirty play. People want the Gophers to adjust, this is part of it
what the hell are you talking about man. Have you watched a single game this season. The Gophers need to worry about playing hockey better and especially on defense. Not caving people’s heads in.
U-18’s win the five nations. Cullen with a goal and assist in this game. Not that Cullen’s a guaranteed first round pick but has there ever been a first round pick from the NTDP that spent a year in junior before going to college? Think he has to come in with the lack of talent on this current gopher team.
https://twitter.com/usahockeyntdp/status/2020462099751670017?s=61&t=-_wGA13cAbVi0rBpXZvfNA
it is quite fun seeing some of these NTDP kids play against kids their same age. That move was insane.
And there is no way in hell you have a possible 1st rounder go play a year of jr.
@walker-barely-know-watch every game. Also, unfortunately see posters say the same things over and over and over after a loss. The same posters who cry when the Gophers are getting bodied and can’t play tough. However, you know everything, so I’ll defer to you.
https://twitter.com/FutureGophers/status/2020966710988444069
I actually give a @#$* about the Twins
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
https://twitter.com/FutureGophers/status/2020966710988444069
Grimes I have some optimism coming in and being fine next year. He won't be flashy and isn't going to put up points, but he seems like he plays sound hockey. He's only a month younger than Rombach and played 3 full seasons of Jr so I'd expect he'll come in being much more ready to go comparatively. He'd have better stats if they let him run the PP but they're trying to dev Prunty and they've also got Bongo (going to Michigan next year). Think he'll be a solid 4 year, mid-lower pair guy
https://twitter.com/FutureGophers/status/2020966710988444069
Grimes I have some optimism coming in and being fine next year. He won't be flashy and isn't going to put up points, but he seems like he plays sound hockey. He's only a month younger than Rombach and played 3 full seasons of Jr so I'd expect he'll come in being much more ready to go comparatively. He'd have better stats if they let him run the PP but they're trying to dev Prunty and they've also got Bongo (going to Michigan next year). Think he'll be a solid 4 year, mid-lower pair guy
Agree. Think Grimes projects as a steady and solid defensemen. He doesn't resolve the lack of high-end talent on the blue line, but think he will be appreciated for what he is.
Grimes projects to be a Mike Koster type guy, which is great. Problem is freshman Mike Koster ain’t gonna turn around this d core. He’s a nice long term asset coming onto a team that needs immediate contributors.
Feels like we’re gonna live and die by the portal for next season.
Grimes projects to be a Mike Koster type guy, which is great. Problem is freshman Mike Koster ain’t gonna turn around this d core. He’s a nice long term asset coming onto a team that needs immediate contributors.
Feels like we’re gonna live and die by the portal for next season.
Portal for a d-man absolutely top of list. No argument there.
Grimes projects to be a Mike Koster type guy, which is great. Problem is freshman Mike Koster ain’t gonna turn around this d core. He’s a nice long term asset coming onto a team that needs immediate contributors.
Feels like we’re gonna live and die by the portal for next season.
Portal for a d-man absolutely top of list. No argument there.
mitts Thomas out
grimes and Harper in (if Harper wants)
2 portal
phillips if he says he needs to or is decommit or another year of jr somewhere he’s not fighting every other series
not by pairing, but
whipple-Rombach
gruba-portal
Grimes-portal
Harper playing with whoever and running PP
phillips scratch if he’s here getting some games and is health depth. If Harper wants to play another year in the Dub you let him and Phillips come in as 7th D
McLaughlin, rud, Begley as extras and if you can’t hold that many you have one move on.
i really don’t see any way you’re not looking for 2 imo as there may also be attrition out of this group if Bob goes that way too
Edit: I don’t see any way logically you’re not looking for 2 based on what we’ve seen lol
An important thing to note is Harper shoots right, while Grimes and Phillips do not. I think they're gonna have to bring him in unless they land like two RHDs in the portal. Gruba is the only one on the roster.
Harper with 1G 3A on point night in Saginaw
https://twitter.com/spirithockey/status/2022466000470396931?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Id go CHL first no reason one of the top guys can't come here. For all of Bob's faults he does develop effective players in the NHL
Id go CHL first no reason one of the top guys can't come here. For all of Bob's faults he does develop effective players in the NHL
probably getting a similar # of years out of a CHL or portal addition, might as well go for a more experienced defender who’s more attuned to the college game already.
Harper will come in next year, and won’t be a 7th Dman. He’ll run PP, and get plenty of minutes.
Begley and Rud both need to go to portal. Not Big10 level players, probably not even D1 level players anymore. Would be shocked if neither one gets pick up out of portal.
Grimes has looked solid in ushl in games I have watched. His skating and mobility better than many of our current D
I don’t really understand what they want in Phillips. He’s physical, but not much else, Motzko and Miller don’t seem to value physicality that much and he takes a ton of penalties.
Need a top CHL’er or portal guy, someone that can be a top pairing guy.
At Forward I think Katz needs another year of juniors, and don’t see any reason to bring in Nevers. I don’t think he can play at pace needed. We had too many rosters spots occupied by guys we can’t trust/play this year. Let’s not make that mistake again.
Could we get him to come in and play the 7th d spot? Id take him over begley and rudd
unsure who you mean by him.
harper won’t be 7th D but you’ll pair him with whoever to give him extra D coverage as you want to give him option for more offense and he’ll need that help early.
if you mean Phillips, yes I’d envision that is the circumstance that they would bring him in, which truthfully I don’t think helps his development at all (see Whipple who if he was doing this as a freshman we’d all be very excited about the idea of 3 more years to grow into his role instead of two that are going to feel like he’s got more growing to do when he graduates).
The big first question is whether or not Harper wants to come in this fall. He’s still going to be in his D+1 year. That’s a really tough transition to make and so wouldn’t surprise me if his camp wants to wait. If I’m coaching, the only guy I feel is in for sure is Kvasnicka. Grimes is fine to come in as are Harper and W Cullen of course. The rest in all truth should probably be encouraged to be pushed out another year. The roster has too many young guys who need to be bottom 6 and you’re not seeing a ton of growth that looks like the current team has a bunch of plus players who are going to go into the top 6 next year.
This is part of why you need a GM as they can make connections and options for guys in Jr and help manage your incoming classes better
Id go CHL first no reason one of the top guys can't come here. For all of Bob's faults he does develop effective players in the NHL
probably getting a similar # of years out of a CHL or portal addition, might as well go for a more experienced defender who’s more attuned to the college game already.
I think either option is fine. Top couple round younger CHL guy is good or someone who’s going to be a Jr/Sr who’s played college who can push down/keep down some of the younger guys and limit their minutes. You need probably one who’s like a L Mitts who can eat minutes.
@upnorthkid Whipple is an interesting case. I wonder of the early hype was detrimental to him. It feels like decades ago, but he was once believe to be one of the best defensemen at his age level with first round buzz. He was a big recruiting win. He was never going to have the offensive flair of a Jackson Lacombe but it was easy to dream on him being a rock like Ryan Johnson for numerous seasons.
By no means do I blame him nor his team...they were just working as best they could at the time. I do agree if we saw this Whipple late in his freshman season the view would be different. Had more patience been exercised and expectations reset, the development curve would look different. It reminds in a way of Ryan Collins. Collins was always the long play and had two uninspiring seasons before a solid junior year. Of course, he then moved on. Big difference being Collins was a 2nd rounder so Whipple should be in no hurry to leave.
Back to next season, it is why I have time for Phillips. Unlikely to be a 2026-2027 catalyst but huge, athletic, and mean is a profile you bet on. Of course, if he is just sitting the box, not much point in putting him on the ice...
Nevers likely comes down to scholarship money and role. If he is a depth forward, no issue in bringing in his age and size. Likely a better 14th forward than we have had in recent years.
For next year I would bring in Kvasnicka/Cullen/Harper/Grimes. TBD on Phillips and Nevers. Portal for a defender and a big-time center if it lines up. Maybe goalie if Airey moves on, as Casey needs another year.
@upnorthkid Whipple is an interesting case. I wonder of the early hype was detrimental to him. It feels like decades ago, but he was once believe to be one of the best defensemen at his age level with first round buzz. He was a big recruiting win. He was never going to have the offensive flair of a Jackson Lacombe but it was easy to dream on him being a rock like Ryan Johnson for numerous seasons.
By no means do I blame him nor his team...they were just working as best they could at the time. I do agree if we saw this Whipple late in his freshman season the view would be different. Had more patience been exercised and expectations reset, the development curve would look different. It reminds in a way of Ryan Collins. Collins was always the long play and had two uninspiring seasons before a solid junior year. Of course, he then moved on. Big difference being Collins was a 2nd rounder so Whipple should be in no hurry to leave.
Back to next season, it is why I have time for Phillips. Unlikely to be a 2026-2027 catalyst but huge, athletic, and mean is a profile you bet on. Of course, if he is just sitting the box, not much point in putting him on the ice...
Nevers likely comes down to scholarship money and role. If he is a depth forward, no issue in bringing in his age and size. Likely a better 14th forward than we have had in recent years.
For next year I would bring in Kvasnicka/Cullen/Harper/Grimes. TBD on Phillips and Nevers. Portal for a defender and a big-time center if it lines up. Maybe goalie if Airey moves on, as Casey needs another year.
Think we view it pretty much spot on the same across all the guys you mention
How much more Juniors eligibility does Nevers have? Feels like he’s been committed and in the conversation forever. If we don’t bring him this off season is that him and the Gophers parting ways?
How much more Juniors eligibility does Nevers have? Feels like he’s been committed and in the conversation forever. If we don’t bring him this off season is that him and the Gophers parting ways?
Yes. He is out of eligibility.
Got a good story about Collins I’ve been sitting on for a while. I met a fellow practicing attorney and U grad at the Northwestern/Wrigley football game this year who was telling me about how much fun the law school hockey team was at the U, they’d play against the law school teams at UST, Mitchell Hamline, UND, Wisco, Michigan etc. I went to a law school in Illinois, we didn’t have the numbers for our own.
Turns out, Ryan Collins happened to end up in this guy’s law school class at the U after playing pro. The law school team would keep him on the ice for all 60min every game and dominated the entire upper Midwest law school hockey scene for 3 years.
funniest part was this guy telling me how he needed to preemptively tell his old hockey buddies to shut the hell up about all the shit he had talked about Collins’ puck (mis)handling as a Gopher back in the day
So says a national prospect writer.
https://twitter.com/sellishockey/status/2019426103719318007?s=46&t=AvtsG2WfNuGRyXzbYJqB7g
Quite a few uncommitted players with three solid MN players. Are they waiting for dominoes to fall?