Former Michigan Hockey players in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Wolverines’ Frozen Four run may be over, but tons of former Michigan Hockey players will take the ice this week to play in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The NHL regular season concluded Sunday night, meaning the top 16 teams will have a chance to battle for the Stanley Cup Trophy. Like most Stanley Cup Playoffs, this year’s teams feature plenty of former Michigan Hockey standouts. Lets take look at all the former Wolverines you’ll be able to watch this postseason.
Andrew Cogliano (2006-07)
Cogliano is a 30 year old veteran who has continued to produce on a consistent basis. In his 866 game career, Cogliano has accounted for 157 goals and 211 assists. At Michigan he tallied 50 points in 38 games under the legendary Red Berenson. Cogliano’s Ducks will face the San Jose Sharks Thursday night for game one of their series.
J.T. Compher (2013-17)
The former Wolverine playmaker is now making a name for himself in the NHL. Compher has compiled 16 goals and 12 assists in his 90 game NHL career. He played in just three games last season before being sent down to the minors, but this year he’s made massive strides. J.T. had a terrific career with Michigan posting 39 goals and 79 assists. His Avalanche will play the Predators Thursday in game 1 of their series.
Kyle Connor (2015-16)
Many Michigan fans remember Kyle Connor as the team’s unstoppable force during the 2015-2016 season. He accounted for 35 goals and 36 assists in just 38 games as a Wolverine. His play in college was almost good enough to win him the Hobey Baker Award, finishing as the runner up to Jimmy Vesey. Connor is currently the second leading scorer for the Winnipeg Jets, with 31 goals on the season.
Andrew Copp (2012-15)
This former Michigan captain tallied 40 goals and 41 assists in 107 games for the Maize and Blue. Now he plays alongside Kyle Connor and Jacob Trouba in Winnipeg. In 224 career NHL games, Copp has collected 25 goals and 34 assists. Watch the three former Wolverines in action Wednesday night when the Jets open their series with the Wild.
Carl Hagelin (2007-11)
This former four year player had a sensational Michigan career, finishing with 61 goals and 91 assists. Since leaving Ann Arbor, Hagelin has been a premier playmaker in the NHL with the Rangers, Ducks, and now Penguins. In 488 NHL games he’s registered 88 goals and 134 assists. Hagelin will have a chance to win his third straight Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh this postseason.
Matt Hunwick (2003-07)
Hunwick was a great defenseman in college, and is still viewed as a consistent player in his 13th NHL season. He accumulated 24 goals and 73 assists during his four years in Ann Arbor, earning All-CCHA First Team honors in the 06-07 season. In his 521 game NHL career, Hunwick mustered 25 goals and 92 assists. Watch him and Hagelin in action when their Pens take on the Flyers Wednesday night.
Zach Hyman (2011-15)
The former Big Ten scoring champ has been steadily improving since his rookie season. Hyman played in all 82 games this season for the Maple Leafs, accounting for 15 goals and 25 assists. You can see him on Thursday night when the Leafs play the Bruins at TD Garden.
Jon Merrill (2010-13)
At Michigan Merrill tallied 11 goals and 36 assists in 82 games. He may not light up the stat sheet, but Merrill does have 250 NHL games under his belt. He’s only played in 34 games for the Vegas Golden Knights in their inaugural season, but will likely get some playing time in the Playoffs. Merrill’s Knights will start their series with the Kings on Wednesday night.
Jacob Trouba (2012-13)
Jacob Trouba has had a phenomenal NHL career thus far, recording 129 points in 326 games as a defenseman. Trouba finished his college career with 12 goals and 17 assists, earning him First Team All-American honors. He’s been struggling with injury lately, but will be available for game 1 of the Playoffs.
Zach Werenski (2014-16)
Zach Werenski is one of the outstanding young defensemen in the NHL. He appeared in the 2018 All Star game in just his second year as a pro, finishing the season with 16 goals and 21 assists. At Michigan he won 2016 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, accounting for 36 points that season. Werenski’s Columbus Blue Jackets will start their series against the Capitals on Thursday.
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Carl Hagelin was the last Wolverine to win the Stanley Cup in 2017. Now him and nine other “Michigan Men” have the opportunity to raise the cup. The Playoffs start Wednesday night at 7PM on CNBC, with the Jets hosting the Wild.