UNH 2025 Offseason: Where in the World is MS7?

[Felger]

I’d like to see Conmy at BU. BU is my second favorite college hockey team.

I guess BU is the favorite, but you have to figure BC is in the mix. A better fit, and they have money to spend after being spurned by Sacha Boisvert. Imagine if the UNH guy goes to BC and the Eagles fall short again?

And since we have a show to do today, and considering some of the recent discussion on this thread, what if he goes to Western Michigan. His teammate in juniors, Grant Slukynsky is among the leading scorers there and you got to figure there's a decent chance Bump goes pro. There will be a need.

Good chance he ends up at BU, but the other options might be more interesting

 

[Potluck]

This is intriguing to me. Lets look at some numbers real quick like

Correct my assumptions please. Lets say a dynamic new coach can put an extra 500 butts in the seats every home game, Assume there are 16 home games and tickets are $20 on average each. Thats 16 games x 500 butts x $20 per butt = $160,000

Lets say total concessions sold per game is $10,000 ???? WAG. We would ask for 10% of concessions, so thats
16 games x $10,000 x 10% = $16,000.

Rough total $176,000. Say there are 4 investors so $176,000/ 4 = $44,000 to each investor

4 investors putting up $60,000 and getting a return of $44,000 in one year !! Yeah baby, where do I sign, I like that ROI
First year youre under water 16k, second year up $28k on a 60k investment, 3 years up 72k on the same 60k investment 72k/60k/3 years = 40% roi

Seems too simplistic. What am I missing here ?

edit....maybe I'll just put up the whole $240,000

Like most government owned and run entities, UNH is not run like businesses. People constantly make this mistake. It drives me crazy but I calm down when I remind myself of reality. Government is specifically designed not to be a business. Indeed, it’s quite the opposite. It’s designed to run slowly. A private college is much different.

 

[Potluck]

Crypto?

I guess BU is the favorite, but you have to figure BC is in the mix. A better fit, and they have money to spend after being spurned by Sacha Boisvert. Imagine if the UNH guy goes to BC and the Eagles fall short again?

And since we have a show to do today, and considering some of the recent discussion on this thread, what if he goes to Western Michigan. His teammate in juniors, Grant Slukynsky is among the leading scorers there and you got to figure there's a decent chance Bump goes pro. There will be a need.

Good chance he ends up at BU, but the other options might be more interesting

I want him at BU but he’s perfect for Maine. Maine would take full advantage of him. He’d be first line and pp. I think Conmy is going to be All American

 

[Robert Balin]

Eleven years ago to this day, Mike Vecchione gave Umile and company a big **ck you and became a National champion his freshman year at Union. Vecchione the Mass Div one player of the year was asked by Tricky Dick to spend another year in Jr's and we all know what happened. Vecchione went on to become the leading scorer at Union 175 points. He also was on ECAC all rookie team, ECAC all tourney team, First team All American in 2016, ECAC player of the year 2016-2017, Hobey Baker finalist in 2016-2017 and finally 2 Calder cup championships and scored the game winning goal in OT in 2023.I'd say Dick got Umiliated...

 

[Dan]

I’m finished with the coaching/facility conversation for the time being. The facility upgrade is not coming this off-season and Souza is signed for another two years. So what does UNH need to improve in 2025-26…

Prior to Ryan Conmy entering the transfer portal (and regardless of what anyone says he is a huge loss) I already believed UNH needed to add another impact forward, defenseman and goaltender to make significant improvement. Now its two impact forwards…

Newcombe - Ring - (TBD)
(TBD) - Oliver - LeClerc
Winters - Lavins - Turner
R. MacPherson - C. MacPherson - Siedem
Skrastins

Walsh, Bradshaw, DeTurris


DeAngelis - Conn
(TBD) - Carr
Fitzgerald - Player

Grimes, DeHaro, Philbrick, Hahn


Whale / (TBD)
Seguin-Lescarbeau

If they can fill these holes, that leaves a lot of unknowns but also brings quite a bit of potential.

Two top scoring lines, one elite-skating, match-up line with offensive upside and a fourth line to rotate players in and out of the line-up and see what sticks.

The wild-card is Ryan MacPherson. I think it was a mistake not to play him in a much larger role last season. I think he has a chance to be a very good player. Now? Who can say, but if he could fill the 2nd-line LW role as a playmaker for Oliver and LeClerc that would be one less need.

Defensively, they’re completely starting over considering Player’s limited role this season. I do like Conn and the two CHL commits on paper, and hopefully Fitzgerald continues to grow, while Player proves he was also underplayed. They could use a truly dependable shutdown guy.

In goal, Whale is more than good enough, but he was completely overworked last season and the lack of faith in a rotation-fit back-up proved a big mistake. I’m not sure I have that faith in ESL, so adding a 1A or 1B to the mix and splitting time to start could benefit everyone.

—

So, who can they get? The general consensus is that underage CHLers are waiting to commit to NCAA programs to avoid tension with their current major junior clubs and coaches. If so, that could open up the floodgates for opportunity in the coming weeks. Let’s hope that’s real. I really couldn’t tell you who the best options are in the CHL - maybe Sparkee could fill us in on the goal scorers, playmakers and shutdown defender options available to UNH…

As for the portal, the real prize left at forward for UNH would be to add an elite set-up man like Owen McLaughlin. He’ll be in demand and I’m surprised he hasn’t chosen already. Guys like Jack Cronin or Evan Werner could be solid additions as scorers. Otherwise, there are a few AHA players looking to make a jump that are somewhat intriguing like Fukakusa** and Wilde** from RIT, or Walter Zacher from RMU…

Defensively, a lot of the best portal guys are offensive defenseman. I think UNH would hope DeAngelis and Carr could handle those roles. Ben Robertson was a great two-way guy at Cornell. Shoudy? Felicio? Gadowsky has to be heading to Penn State, right? Would they finally kick the tires on Bow, NH native Nate Benoit after he hasn’t quite lived up to expectation at North Dakota and Quinnipiac?

Reidler (UNO), Zacher (Brown), Clark (AIC), Knapp (UMD), Korpi (UM), Musser (CC) would all fit the bill in goal as minimally rotating with Whale, and capable of winning more. I think Korpi or Knapp will end up at Miami.

In a perfect world, I’d grab McLaughlin, Werner, Robertson and Reidler.

More realistically, I don’t think Fukakusa, Cronin/Wilde/W. Zacher, Benoit and L. Zacher would be an impossible ask; with the CHL as an ever-changing option for prospects as their season winds down...

Let’s hope the staff is busy and prepared to add.

—

** Rumor per Mark Diver is the two RIT transfers will go to the same HE school. I hope that is UNH.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

I’m finished with the coaching/facility conversation for the time being. The facility upgrade is not coming this off-season and Souza is signed for another two years. So what does UNH need to improve in 2025-26…

Prior to Ryan Conmy entering the transfer portal (and regardless of what anyone says he is a huge loss) I already believed UNH needed to add another impact forward, defenseman and goaltender to make significant improvement. Now its two impact forwards…

Newcombe - Ring - (TBD)
(TBD) - Oliver - LeClerc
Winters - Lavins - Turner
R. MacPherson - C. MacPherson - Siedem
Skrastins

Walsh, Bradshaw, DeTurris


DeAngelis - Conn
(TBD) - Carr
Fitzgerald - Player

Grimes, DeHaro, Philbrick, Hahn


Whale / (TBD)
Seguin-Lescarbeau

If they can fill these holes, that leaves a lot of unknowns but also brings quite a bit of potential.

Two top scoring lines, one elite-skating, match-up line with offensive upside and a fourth line to rotate players in and out of the line-up and see what sticks.

The wild-card is Ryan MacPherson. I think it was a mistake not to play him in a much larger role last season. I think he has a chance to be a very good player. Now? Who can say, but if he could fill the 2nd-line LW role as a playmaker for Oliver and LeClerc that would be one less need.

Defensively, they’re completely starting over considering Player’s limited role this season. I do like Conn and the two CHL commits on paper, and hopefully Fitzgerald continues to grow, while Player proves he was also underplayed. They could use a truly dependable shutdown guy.

In goal, Whale is more than good enough, but he was completely overworked last season and the lack of faith in a rotation-fit back-up proved a big mistake. I’m not sure I have that faith in ESL, so adding a 1A or 1B to the mix and splitting time to start could benefit everyone.

—

So, who can they get? The general consensus is that underage CHLers are waiting to commit to NCAA programs to avoid tension with their current major junior clubs and coaches. If so, that could open up the floodgates for opportunity in the coming weeks. Let’s hope that’s real. I really couldn’t tell you who the best options are in the CHL - maybe Sparkee could fill us in on the goal scorers, playmakers and shutdown defender options available to UNH…

As for the portal, the real prize left at forward for UNH would be to add an elite set-up man like Owen McLaughlin. He’ll be in demand and I’m surprised he hasn’t chosen already. Guys like Jack Cronin or Evan Werner could be solid additions as scorers. Otherwise, there are a few AHA players looking to make a jump that are somewhat intriguing like Fukakusa** and Wilde** from RIT, or Walter Zacher from RMU…

Defensively, a lot of the best portal guys are offensive defenseman. I think UNH would hope DeAngelis and Carr could handle those roles. Ben Robertson was a great two-way guy at Cornell. Shoudy? Felicio? Gadowsky has to be heading to Penn State, right? Would they finally kick the tires on Bow, NH native Nate Benoit after he hasn’t quite lived up to expectation at North Dakota and Quinnipiac?

Reidler (UNO), Zacher (Brown), Clark (AIC), Knapp (UMD), Korpi (UM), Musser (CC) would all fit the bill in goal as minimally rotating with Whale, and capable of winning more. I think Korpi or Knapp will end up at Miami.

In a perfect world, I’d grab McLaughlin, Werner, Robertson and Reidler.

More realistically, I don’t think Fukakusa, Cronin/Wilde/W. Zacher, Benoit and L. Zacher would be an impossible ask; with the CHL as an ever-changing option for prospects as their season winds down...

Let’s hope the staff is busy and prepared to add.

—

** Rumor per Mark Diver is the two RIT transfers will go to the same HE school. I hope that is UNH.

You lost me with Ring on the first line...

 

[Snively65]

JvR won the matchup against younger bro TvR today in Jackets 7-0 win over Caps. JvR scored a goal and two assists along with 2 SOG to TvR’s 0 points and 0 SOG. Jackets need to win out their last three games and Habs need to lose or tie one game in remaining three games for JvR to make the postseason like his younger bro.

 

[Felger]

I’m finished with the coaching/facility conversation for the time being. The facility upgrade is not coming this off-season and Souza is signed for another two years. So what does UNH need to improve in 2025-26…

Prior to Ryan Conmy entering the transfer portal (and regardless of what anyone says he is a huge loss) I already believed UNH needed to add another impact forward, defenseman and goaltender to make significant improvement. Now its two impact forwards…

Newcombe - Ring - (TBD)
(TBD) - Oliver - LeClerc
Winters - Lavins - Turner
R. MacPherson - C. MacPherson - Siedem
Skrastins

Walsh, Bradshaw, DeTurris


DeAngelis - Conn
(TBD) - Carr
Fitzgerald - Player

Grimes, DeHaro, Philbrick, Hahn


Whale / (TBD)
Seguin-Lescarbeau

If they can fill these holes, that leaves a lot of unknowns but also brings quite a bit of potential.

Two top scoring lines, one elite-skating, match-up line with offensive upside and a fourth line to rotate players in and out of the line-up and see what sticks.

The wild-card is Ryan MacPherson. I think it was a mistake not to play him in a much larger role last season. I think he has a chance to be a very good player. Now? Who can say, but if he could fill the 2nd-line LW role as a playmaker for Oliver and LeClerc that would be one less need.

Defensively, they’re completely starting over considering Player’s limited role this season. I do like Conn and the two CHL commits on paper, and hopefully Fitzgerald continues to grow, while Player proves he was also underplayed. They could use a truly dependable shutdown guy.

In goal, Whale is more than good enough, but he was completely overworked last season and the lack of faith in a rotation-fit back-up proved a big mistake. I’m not sure I have that faith in ESL, so adding a 1A or 1B to the mix and splitting time to start could benefit everyone.

—

So, who can they get? The general consensus is that underage CHLers are waiting to commit to NCAA programs to avoid tension with their current major junior clubs and coaches. If so, that could open up the floodgates for opportunity in the coming weeks. Let’s hope that’s real. I really couldn’t tell you who the best options are in the CHL - maybe Sparkee could fill us in on the goal scorers, playmakers and shutdown defender options available to UNH…

As for the portal, the real prize left at forward for UNH would be to add an elite set-up man like Owen McLaughlin. He’ll be in demand and I’m surprised he hasn’t chosen already. Guys like Jack Cronin or Evan Werner could be solid additions as scorers. Otherwise, there are a few AHA players looking to make a jump that are somewhat intriguing like Fukakusa** and Wilde** from RIT, or Walter Zacher from RMU…

Defensively, a lot of the best portal guys are offensive defenseman. I think UNH would hope DeAngelis and Carr could handle those roles. Ben Robertson was a great two-way guy at Cornell. Shoudy? Felicio? Gadowsky has to be heading to Penn State, right? Would they finally kick the tires on Bow, NH native Nate Benoit after he hasn’t quite lived up to expectation at North Dakota and Quinnipiac?

Reidler (UNO), Zacher (Brown), Clark (AIC), Knapp (UMD), Korpi (UM), Musser (CC) would all fit the bill in goal as minimally rotating with Whale, and capable of winning more. I think Korpi or Knapp will end up at Miami.

In a perfect world, I’d grab McLaughlin, Werner, Robertson and Reidler.

More realistically, I don’t think Fukakusa, Cronin/Wilde/W. Zacher, Benoit and L. Zacher would be an impossible ask; with the CHL as an ever-changing option for prospects as their season winds down...

Let’s hope the staff is busy and prepared to add.

—

** Rumor per Mark Diver is the two RIT transfers will go to the same HE school. I hope that is UNH.

Thrilled somebody is actually talking hockey.

Love the RIT guys. Probably too much to ask.

Most concerned about the goaltending. Would really like to see them grab one out of the portal even if its only for a year. Not impressed with Whale (why couldn't Jensen have backed into him in October?) and ESL can't crack the top 20 in the USHL in either GAA or save percentage. But not sure what the scholarship situation is when it comes to goalies. If you can find a reliable veteran, thoughts about pushing ESL back a year, let him and Grout fight it out in 2026?

 

[Dan]

You lost me with Ring on the first line...

Then flip his line with the Oliver line - they're designed to be interchangeable works in progress that will certainly adjust as the two newest Wildcat forwards are added.

--

I know, you'd prefer it was Lavins, but since it's only April I'll dream a bit on who UNH might add. So, I'd rather Lavins slotted into a role I know will allow him to excel (on what I think would be a very good/productive/important third line) than forced into a top-line scoring role because the other options aren't any better.

You probably get your wish and Lavins plays a top-six role, but on a good UNH team he's providing elite, hard-skating, two-way, match-up minutes while anchoring the third line. He can be both UNH's best remaining player and best suited for that type of role. If Lavins is one of UNH's leading scorers next season, they once again don't have enough scoring...

 

[Snively65]

Prior to the upgrade to this board I had a tagline that said "UNH Hockey: From "Why Not Us" to "Woe is Us"

Indeed! Now 24 teams have what we do not have.

 

[Basement Bias]

Indeed! Now 24 teams have what we do not have.

I posted in the other thread WHEN WILL IT BE OUR TURN?

 

[Aerman]

She was headed to Idaho ,Boise State maybe but the coach moved on so she stayed closer. I'm thinking she is going for Nursing? I'd guess she wanted out of Orono .

It can’t hurt, especially if it was a fallback anyway, that a UNH kid made the last two Olympics, won a natty while there, and won a world title last year. Her coach at UNH probably has a clue.

 

[Robert Balin]

Then flip his line with the Oliver line - they're designed to be interchangeable works in progress that will certainly adjust as the two newest Wildcat forwards are added.

--

I know, you'd prefer it was Lavins, but since it's only April I'll dream a bit on who UNH might add. So, I'd rather Lavins slotted into a role I know will allow him to excel (on what I think would be a very good/productive/important third line) than forced into a top-line scoring role because the other options aren't any better.

You probably get your wish and Lavins plays a top-six role, but on a good UNH team he's providing elite, hard-skating, two-way, match-up minutes while anchoring the third line. He can be both UNH's best remaining player and best suited for that type of role. If Lavins is one of UNH's leading scorers next season, they once again don't have enough scoring...

I noticed Alex Gagne has still not signed a pro contract is he eligible for a 5th season? It seems strange he hasn't signed yet maybe he's coming back that would solve the D problem with youth.

 

[Robert Balin]

Thrilled somebody is actually talking hockey.

Love the RIT guys. Probably too much to ask.

Most concerned about the goaltending. Would really like to see them grab one out of the portal even if its only for a year. Not impressed with Whale (why couldn't Jensen have backed into him in October?) and ESL can't crack the top 20 in the USHL in either GAA or save percentage. But not sure what the scholarship situation is when it comes to goalies. If you can find a reliable veteran, thoughts about pushing ESL back a year, let him and Grout fight it out in 202

Thrilled somebody is actually talking hockey.

Love the RIT guys. Probably too much to ask.

Most concerned about the goaltending. Would really like to see them grab one out of the portal even if its only for a year. Not impressed with Whale (why couldn't Jensen have backed into him in October?) and ESL can't crack the top 20 in the USHL in either GAA or save percentage. But not sure what the scholarship situation is when it comes to goalies. If you can find a reliable veteran, thoughts about pushing ESL back a year, let him and Grout fight it out in 2026?

Grout is the most skilled goalie on the table for UNH. I'm sure Souza never thought bringing him in as a True freshman..

 

[Chuck Murray]

JvR won the matchup against younger bro TvR today in Jackets 7-0 win over Caps. JvR scored a goal and two assists along with 2 SOG to TvR’s 0 points and 0 SOG. Jackets need to win out their last three games and Habs need to lose or tie one game in remaining three games for JvR to make the postseason like his younger bro.

Habs eliminated the Wings, Rangers and CBJ in one fell swoop last night with a 1-0 OT loss to Toronto.

TvR continues to dominate the internecine proceedings at Chez van Riemsdyk, could have a legit shot at a second ring.

JvR hanging on by a thread, backsliding from last season with the B's, back to being a net negative contributor ...

 

[Snively65]

I noticed Alex Gagne has still not signed a pro contract is he eligible for a 5th season? It seems strange he hasn't signed yet maybe he’s
coming back that would solve the D problem with youth.

Maybe Gagne could sub for Hedman or Cernac on the Lightning’s blue line, if they still have his rights?

 

[Snively65]

Habs eliminated the Wings, Rangers and CBJ in one fell swoop last night with a 1-0 OT loss to Toronto.

TvR continues to dominate the internecine proceedings at Chez van Riemsdyk, could have a legit shot at a second ring.

JvR hanging on by a thread, backsliding from last season with the B's, back to being a net negative contributor ...

Yup, no more suspense for the Jackets. I still cannot root for the Habs after what they did to the Bruins in the 1970’s, although I respect their current head coach.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

Then flip his line with the Oliver line - they're designed to be interchangeable works in progress that will certainly adjust as the two newest Wildcat forwards are added.

--

I know, you'd prefer it was Lavins, but since it's only April I'll dream a bit on who UNH might add. So, I'd rather Lavins slotted into a role I know will allow him to excel (on what I think would be a very good/productive/important third line) than forced into a top-line scoring role because the other options aren't any better.

You probably get your wish and Lavins plays a top-six role, but on a good UNH team he's providing elite, hard-skating, two-way, match-up minutes while anchoring the third line. He can be both UNH's best remaining player and best suited for that type of role. If Lavins is one of UNH's leading scorers next season, they once again don't have enough scoring...

I've argued that Lavins is a player you build a team around. He isn't an elite goal scorer, nor is he the fastest or most most nimble skater. But , he has the attitide and makes those around him better on both sides of the ice.

Winters is the player to watch. Fast and skilled, if can stay healthy and out of MS7's dog house, he could be an interesting addition to the first line.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

I noticed Alex Gagne has still not signed a pro contract is he eligible for a 5th season? It seems strange he hasn't signed yet maybe he's coming back that would solve the D problem with youth.

I think he was exposed this season.

Always a cheapshot artist behind the play, both his game and reputation took a hit this year. He gets frustrated, finds himself out of position and then makes a dumb play resulting in a penalty or goal.

If he can't handle Hockey East talent, good luck in the pros.

 

[whoop87]

Habs eliminated the Wings, Rangers and CBJ in one fell swoop last night with a 1-0 OT loss to Toronto.

TvR continues to dominate the internecine proceedings at Chez van Riemsdyk, could have a legit shot at a second ring.

JvR hanging on by a thread, backsliding from last season with the B's, back to being a net negative contributor ...

Au contraire, mon ami. The Blue Jackets live for another day. DET and NYR were eliminated yesterday, but not CBJ.
If CBJ wins their last 3 games (rematch tonight vs. the Capitals, PHI and NYI later this week) and the Habs lose their last 2 games, CBJ is the last team in and MTL is out.
Btw, in addition to the 3 point afternoon yesterday, JvR had a Gordie Howe hat trick ... 2 assists in the 1st, fight in the 2nd, goal in the 3rd. I was watching the game.
I'm guessing that could be JvR's 1st career Gordie Howe HT, given the rarity of a vR in the box for fighting.
TvR also had a skirmish in the 3rd, although he didn't get 5 for FIghting.
It will be interesting to see if Ovechkin plays tonight. The Caps had a bunch of regulars resting yesterday, including Ovi.