GBMWolverine
Fansided

Michigan Hockey: What’s Next for the Wolverines?

By Maddie Steinbock

Michigan goaltender Jack Leavy comforts forward Garrett Van Wyhe (51) after U-M's 3-2 loss in the Frozen Four semifinal at the TD Garden in Boston on Thursday, April 7, 2022.
Michigan goaltender Jack Leavy comforts forward Garrett Van Wyhe (51) after U-M's 3-2 loss in the Frozen Four semifinal at the TD Garden in Boston on Thursday, April 7, 2022. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Syndication: Detroit Free Press /

Who is still considering a return?

Some players still have not decided if they are going to stay at Michigan or move onto their professional careers. Some of those are Brendan Brisson, Thomas Bordeleau, and Johnny Beecher.

Brisson, Vegas Golden Knights 2020 first-round pick could easily move onto his professional career, especially because of his outstanding season at Michigan. He lead the team in goals and was second in overall points. However, if he were to stay another year, there is a strong possibility he could be a point leader throughout the entire NCAA and be a Hobey Baker finalist.

Thomas Bordeleau, an early second-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in 2020 has had an underwhelming season. In his freshman year, he lead all freshmen in the NCAA in points and won Big Ten rookie of the year. In his sophomore season, however, he had 12 goals and 25 assists. He missed some time for undisclosed reasons, as well as Covid during the World Juniors Tournament. While he played well, many expected more out of him. Staying another year would benefit him majorly, and he will stand out massively amongst this team.

Junior, Johnny Beecher, a 2019 first-round pick to the Boston Bruins has been dealing with injuries for the past two years. He had an outstanding freshman season and still hasn’t bounced back to where he was when he was a freshman.

Now that he is healthy, his elite skill is being overshadowed by the other elite skill throughout the team. He could sign with the Bruins but still needs improvement. If he stays, he will be in contention for being the captain of the team next year.

I could see Brisson going either way, if I had to guess it is about a 50/50 chance right now. I do however believe both Bordeleau and Beecher will return. As for seniors, don’t be surprised if we see 1 or 2 of them stay for their 5th year.

Home/Michigan Wolverines News