Michigan Hockey: What’s Next for the Wolverines?

After a gut-wrenching overtime loss to Denver, the Michigan Hockey team’s season is now over. This was a dream team, they could have won it all. However, that dream was cut short. Now, what is next for the Michigan Hockey team? What can we expect for the future?

Who’s leaving: While this was a given, Owen Power and Kent Johnson have already signed entry-level contracts with their teams, the Sabres, and the Blue Jackets. Meanwhile, Matty Beniers, Kraken prospect is expected to sign within the next week.

Meanwhile, the team is also expected to lose most of the nine-person senior class. While most of them are eligible to come back for a 5th year due to COVID-19, it is unlikely because of the large signing class coming in next season. Some standouts from that class include captain Nick Blankenburg who just signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets as an undrafted free agent.

Some others in the experienced senior class were: 5th year Michael Pastujov, as well as Nolan Moyle, Jimmy Lambert, and Garrett Van Wyhe, all of who had outstanding seasons, especially during the playoffs.

Who’s coming back?

Starting goaltender, Erik Portillo is coming back for his junior season. He had an incredible year and was one of the best goaltenders in the NCAA, which is sure to continue going into next season.

4th overall pick freshman standout, Luke Hughes, is also coming back for his sophomore year. This is huge for this defense especially after losing Power and Blankenburg. Don’t be surprised if Hughes is a Hobey Baker finalist come the end of the season.

On the topic of freshmen, that entire class is likely to return. Mackie Samoskevich and Dylan Duke were notable standouts for their goal-scoring and assists. They have been consistent throughout the whole season and improved even more throughout the postseason. They are sure to make a huge impact on the team next year.

Ethan Edwards and Mark Estapa are also planning on staying another year. Both are very physical players and are major assets to this team. Edwards was one of the most improved players this season. He went from being a frequent healthy scratch, to constantly being in the lineup.

Edwards stepped up massively when Hughes and Power were at World Juniors and continued when Power was in the Olympics. Mark Estapa, probably the most physical player on the team, has improved since the beginning of the season as well. He has become a fan favorite for Michigan fans, and you can frequently hear a “Free Estapa” chant throughout Yost when he gets a penalty. He will be an exciting one to watch come next season.