What could Gophers hockey look like next season

Following the 6-3 loss to Boston University here is a look at the Gophers’ roster for next season (outside of the transfer portal). With next season being the final year for players to use their COVID-year and players such as Jimmy Snuggerud still undecided about jumping to the professional level I tiered each category for guaranteed/questionable departures, returnees and additions.

Guaranteed Departures (Forward):
Jaxon Nelson (eligibility)
Bryce Brodzinski (eligibility)

Questionable Departures:
Gr. Mason Nevers (COVID year)
Jr. Jimmy Snuggerud (NHL)
So. Oliver Moore (NHL, should return)

Returnees:
Sr. Aaron Huglen
Sr. Rhett Pitlick
Jr. Charlie Strobel
Jr. Connor Kurth
Jr. Garrett Pinoniemi
Jr. Brody Lamb
Jr. John Mittelstadt
So. Jimmy Clark

Additions:
Fr. Beckett Hendrickson – Dubuque USHL/USNTDP
Fr. Brodie Ziemer – Shattuck St. Mary’s/USNTDP
Fr. Erik Pahlsson – Sweden/Dubuque USHL
Fr. August Falloon – St. Cloud High/Tri-City USHL

Guaranteed Departures (Defense)
N/A

Questionable Departures:
Gr. Mike Koster (COVID year)
Gr. Carl Fish (COVID year)
Jr. Ryan Chesley (NHL, should return)
So. Sam Rinzel (NHL, should return)

Returnees:
Jr. Cal Thomas
Jr. Luke Mittelstadt
So. Max Rud

Additions:
Fr. John Whipple – Shattuck St. Mary’s/USNTDP
Fr. Brady Yakesh – Benilde St. Margaret’s/Cowichan Valley BCHL
Fr. Leo Gruba – Hill Murray/Fargo USHL

Guaranteed Departures (Goalie):
Justen Close (eligibility)

Questionable Departures:
N/A

Returnees:
Jr. Zach Wiese
Jr. Matt Bryant
So. Nathan Airey
So. Axel Begley

Additions:
Owen Bartoszkiewicz – NAHL Oklahoma/Youngstown USHL/UMN 2022-23 season