Michigan’s Frozen Four Run Will Create Future Opportunities

The Michigan Men’s Hockey team roster is one of the best-constructed units of all time as they enter the Frozen Four.

The Michigan men’s hockey team has been recognized as one of the best rosters ever constructed in the history of college hockey and enter the Frozen Four as the top-rated team.

Even the coach of AIC, Eric Lang, said we will all look back at the Michigan squad 5-10 years from now and realize this may be the greatest team in the history of this tournament. This team has seven first-round picks, and as a result, they will lose a lot of players when this season ends, so let’s go over that.

Luke Hughes – Defenseman – New Jersey Devils draft pick

This uber-talented offensive defenseman is 100% recovered from his previous injury and has been a force all season for Michigan. Hughes has 17 goals and counting. When Owen Powers is on the top pairing you don’t mind playing second pairing and power play. Hughes can skate around players easily at this level. He’s a Hobey Baker Finalist. I think he will join his brother Jack when this Frozen Four run ends.

Owen Power – Defenseman – Buffalo Sabres draft pick

Power is a unicorn. He has size, a great hockey I.Q. plus leadership abilities and a terrific offensive game. Power fearlessly makes very difficult passes look easy. He may be 6-foot-5, but the precision in his skating is crazy good. He will shuffle off to Buffalo.

Matty Beniers – Center – Seattle Kraken draft pick

This guy may be the best player in college hockey. He scored a big goal in Game 1 vs. AIC by battling around the net. His 20 goals, 43 points in 36 games, and solid two-way play could get him a Hobey Baker Award. He will sign with Seattle.

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Brendan Brisson – Right Wing – Vegas Golden Knights draft pick

Brisson can play center, but the team is loaded down the middle. Playing on the top line as a sophomore is impressive. His 19 goals and 37 points show how much confidence he has. His one-timer and power play expertise will get him a spot in Las Vegas sooner rather than later.

Kent Johnson– Left Wing – Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick

Hughes has elite vision. He made a pass to Beniers in the last round that made that play a tap-in goal instead of something harder. Johnson is ready to join the Blue Jackets when his season ends.

John Beecher – Center – Boston Bruins draft pick

The Bruins need centers. Beecher is a few years away, but he was taking every important face-off. He scored a big tournament goal. He’s going to be a bottom-six guy but a rugged 6-foot-3, 209-pound player. I see him coming out and signing.

Erik Portillo – Goalie – Buffalo Sabres draft pick

This 6-foot-6 goalie fills the net. Portillo has a solid glove hand, and he’s a horse who has played over 41 games this season. He’s ready to join the Sabres along with Power when their season ends.

Michigan Frozen Four Free Agents

Nick Blankenburg – Defenseman

This 5-foot-9 defenseman is the captain, and he’s a righty. Blankenburg is fast and a leader on the ice. There’s enough offense in his game to get an NHL look, so expect him to be signed or in someone’s camp next season.

Garrett Van Wyhe – Left Wing

This rugged left wing is a terrific fourth liner. He’s terrific on the penalty kill, and he knows how to score short-handed goals. I expect a team or two to have an interest in him as a free agent.