Transfer Portal 2026

[robertearle]

"3rd annual transfer portal thread"

Reminding one again that not everyone has to wait for the portal to 'open' to put their name in; grad transfers and players facing coaching changes can enter prior to the "one time transfer window", which this year opens March 15th.

When I started the transfer portal thread at this point in 2024, there were 22 names added to the lists since the first of Feb. In 2025, there had been only four names added during that time frame.

This year so far, there are none.

There are a couple different web sites that have in the past tracked names going into the portal, and either all of them have not yet started tracking and posting this year, or there simply have been no entries into the portal. (One has three names for men's DI hockey, though those three may be "leftovers" from the spring of 2025.)

We'll see what happens where we get to March 15th.

 

[Windchill22]

I expect there are less Grad Students without the Covid year - and therefore less early entries? I think for regular portal entries it opens on the 15th?

 

[Scott_TG]

The transfer portal entry window for D1 women's hockey runs from March 15 to April 28 this year. Source: NCAA website

 

[Bonzo]

The most interesting thing to watch is which top flight goalie transfers to OSU. I would assume wheels are already in motion.

 

[robertearle]

The most interesting thing to watch is which top flight goalie transfers to OSU. I would assume wheels are already in motion.

Looking for something else related to the portal, I did see this headline, from a week ago...

https://www.uscho.com/2026/02/23/in-memo-ncaa-reiterates-ban-on-pre-portal-contact-with-athletes

 

[Timothy A]

Looking for something else related to the portal, I did see this headline, from a week ago...

https://www.uscho.com/2026/02/23/in-memo-ncaa-reiterates-ban-on-pre-portal-contact-with-athletes

Won't stop you know who......

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Won't stop you know who......

 

[BuckyB]

It won’t stop anyone.
It’s a joke and completely unenforceable.
It’s already going on for next year and will continue happening until the end of time.

 

[Arreis]

The most interesting thing to watch is which top flight goalie transfers to OSU. I would assume wheels are already in motion.

You don't think they have confidence in Taylor Kressin for next season?

 

[eastcoastgopher]

OSU has a pretty high-profile goalie recruit in Rowan Houweling from Shattuck. I don't suppose they'll shy away from the portal if an established starter enters, and they've frequently carried four goalies (except this year). But with that and Kressin's performance in limited minutes their situation in net isn't dire or anything.

 

[Timothy A]

It won’t stop anyone.
It’s a joke and completely unenforceable.
It’s already going on for next year and will continue happening until the end of time.

Once Muzzy starts coaching in the pwhl it will slow down a bit.

UW has 13 f and 8 d next season, probably no room at the Inn.

 

[BuckyB]

Once Muzzy starts coaching in the pwhl it will slow down a bit.

UW has 13 f and 8 d next season, probably no room at the Inn.

She will not jump to the PWHL unless the pay for head coaches doubles in the couple of years.
No one in their right mind would take a more than 50% pay cut

 

[BuckyB]

Once Muzzy starts coaching in the pwhl it will slow down a bit.

UW has 13 f and 8 d next season, probably no room at the Inn.

Don’t count Vasseur in your total.

 

[Timothy A]

She will not jump to the PWHL unless the pay for head coaches doubles in the couple of years.
No one in their right mind would take a more than 50% pay cut

She want's a new challenge and she will feel disrespcted about the new barn not happening.

 

[Timothy A]

Don’t count Vasseur in your total.

I was wondering about that. I was also wondering if the other Gorbo's will just end up being depth players vs real contributors. UW is losing a boatload of scoring, they may need to hit the portal for some instant offense even though this Fr F class is top notch.

 

[BuckyB]

I was wondering about that. I was also wondering if the other Gorbo's will just end up being depth players vs real contributors. UW is losing a boatload of scoring, they may need to hit the portal for some instant offense even though this Fr F class is top notch.

Badgers need to worry about serious transfer loss potential

 

[ManBehindTheCurtain]

Once Muzzy starts coaching in the pwhl it will slow down a bit.

UW has 13 f and 8 d next season, probably no room at the Inn.

If you have 13f and 8d rostered you have at least 4f and 2d at least considering the possibilities of what might be available through the portal.

 

[BuckyB]

If you have 13f and 8d rostered you have at least 4f and 2d at least considering the possibilities of what might be available through the portal.

As well as the lure of schools not shy to offer NIL money.
Back channeling well underway

 

[Timothy A]

Badgers need to worry about serious transfer loss potential

Idk, I'm not a buyer of Watts your are selling. You haven't hit on any of your bold predictions yet. MJ hasn't lost a high end yet and there will be tons of opportunities with the massive losses for lots of players to get looks at the top 3 lines and special teams, so why would they leave now?

 

[BuckyB]

Idk, I'm not a buyer of Watts your are selling. You haven't hit on any of your bold predictions yet. MJ hasn't lost a high end yet and there will be tons of opportunities with the massive losses for lots of players to get looks at the top 3 lines and special teams, so why would they leave now?

That answer is incredibly simple…. Money.
The landscape has changed… the thinking in Madison has not.
I like not paying players to play for you but unfortunately it happens and is rampant at your main nemesis.
Stilettos has no morales… she will do whatever it takes to win.