Wisconsin Badgers 2026 Offseason

[UW student and hockey fan]

Zajac with a hatty against the Krauts today. Listed as a 4th line W, played 17 shifts. They must have been rolling 4 lines all game long. 4 goals so far at the U18 worlds on 8 shots.

Zajic is by far the freshman I am most intrigued by for next year. Was a top player on the u17 team last year with 24 goals and 38 points, and considered a fringe 1st/2nd rounder in some early draft projections. Down year production wise this year with just 11 goals and 23 points, but seemed to still show some solid flashes - I saw him at a NTDP vs Capitols game and wasn't blown away by any means, but he played pretty responsible defensively, had a few big hits, made crisp passes and some nifty offensive plays. I think he's listed as sub 6 feet but he plays kind of long and lanky. I imagine he'll still get taken as a later round pick in the draft, especially with what seems like a decent U18's so far.

As I mentioned, I'm really curious to see what the production could be like next year. I believe he'll be the youngest on the team by a little bit. I think there's a chance things really click and he could have a big year next year. I also think there's an equally likely chance he is mainly a healthy scratch next year and doesn't produce at all.

 

[WiscTJK]

Sounds more and more like this proposal on age / eligibility is going thru. Clock starts at age 19 or HS Graduation, whichever comes first and you have 5 years of eligibility / 5 years of potential playing (not restricted to 4 years of play with 1 red shirt year anymore).

Edit: Here's a good article on it for hockey: https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2026/04/24_College-Hockey-Bracing-For.php

 

[wjefwhite]

Looks like you’re back to your interfering scumbag poaching NIL tactics like when you stole Qpac player years ago. You will still never win another natty. You just stole two ELITE players from the ECAC.

Ouch sour grapes man. Thanks for predicting the future. Did you have us runner up this season?