GRAND FORKS — Bemidji State defenseman Monday afternoon. Logan Acheson You have entered the transfer portal.
This was a notable entry, as it set a record for the most Division I men's hockey players to enter the portal in the offseason.
The previous record was set last year with 291 transfers, according to the Herald, which started tracking transfers four years ago.
Acheson was 292nd this year.
By the end of Monday, there were 295 participants. Already, he has over 100 people participating in the new program.
It's no surprise that records were set this year. And this record can be maintained for a long time.
Multiple factors are converging.
Part 1: The coronavirus-impacted 2020-21 is still going on. Everyone who played that season will receive five years of college eligibility. So far, 110 participants (37.3%) are players who only have a free Corona period left. After next season, those players will no longer exist and the number entering the portal should decrease dramatically.
Part 2: For the first time, players will be allowed multiple transfers and become immediately eligible without waivers. A lawsuit has been filed in West Virginia challenging an NCAA rule that requires players to sit out a season if they transfer for a second time. The NCAA is temporarily allowing multiple transfers while the case is heard in court. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely determine whether this continues.
The portal will remain open to players until May 14th, but attendance will now be reduced.
Player decisions have been moving quickly at the University of Michigan since Thursday's loss in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals.
Three players turned pro early.
Big Ten Player of the Year Gavin Brindley Signed with Columbus Blue Jackets, leading scorer dylan duke Signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning as a first-round pick. frank nazar iii Signed with the Chicago Blackhawks (and scored in his debut).
However, the Wolverines also received big news in the form of a first-round pick from the Winnipeg Jets. rutger mcgrotty He chose to return to school for his junior season.
McGrawarty will likely be the University of Michigan's captain next season.
Wolverines still awaiting free agency decisions TJ HughesThe Athletic reports that defenseman is leaning toward returning. Seamus CaseySecond round pick of the New Jersey Devils.
There have been some notable portal moves since Frozen 4.
Denver receives commitment from college forward Sam Salminen, third-round pick of the New Jersey Devils. Salminen was originally scheduled to go to Denver a few years ago, but a glitch in the admissions process kept him from coming.
Omaha receives commitments from Alaska's two best forwards – brady risk and Harrison Israels. Risk was the leader of the Nanoux at points. Israel was the leader in goals and faceoffs. Israel will have to play a big role considering the Mavericks lost two of their most reliable centers. Ty Mueller (Vancouver Canucks) nolan sullivan (graduation).
Western Michigan receives commitment from American international defenseman brian kramer, was the frontrunner for Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year over the Christmas break. Kramer suffered an injury and was less productive in the second half.Broncos looking to replace two graduating top defensemen Zach Galambos and carter burger. Interestingly, Galambos also came from American International. Galambos scored 50 points the last two seasons for the Broncos.
St. Cloud State track and field defender josh zinger Originally from northern Michigan.Zinger is an aggressive defenseman, which the Huskies needed after the loss. dylan anhorn (graduation) and jack part (Minnesota Wild). In fact, the Wildcats moved Ginger to center in the final month of the season. But he should be a power play defenseman for St. Cloud State.
Arizona State has already announced four transfers and is busy in the portal, but more are on the way. The Sun Devils are believed to be strong front-runners for Wisconsin's leading scorer, but Cruz Lucius.Don't be surprised if they come on board jeremy wilmer, Boston University's third scorer to hit the portal this week. Wilmer was injured during Boston College's national semifinal game against Denver.
RIT Defenseman Aiden Hansen-Bukata He entered the portal on Monday and jumped in as one of the most notable players. As a junior and senior, he recorded back-to-back 30-point seasons for the Tigers. He has one year of eligibility left. RIT is expected to make a big move from an Atlantic Hockey Championship team with a top-notch center. carter wilkie Goalie heading to UND tommy scarphone Heading to Wisconsin, Hansen-Bukata reaches the portal.
- Lindenwood plans to hire former Michigan State assistant, according to multiple media reports Bill McCart He replaces the former UND defenseman as head coach. rick zombo.
- Boston University leading scorer, Hobby hat trick finalist cutter gautier Signed with Anaheim Ducks.
- Boston University lost three players to professional contracts. 2nd year defenseman Lane Hutson He signed with Montreal and made his NHL debut. Two senior forwards also signed NHL contracts but will not use them for a fifth season. luke touch He signed a two-year contract with Montreal. dylan peterson Signed with St. Louis Blues.
Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been named the Herald's Top Beat Writer by the Associated Press Sports Editor four times and North Dakota Sports Writer of the Year once. He lives in Grand Forks. Please contact bschlossman@gfherald.com.
