The State Of The Hockey Roster

Michigan's hockey team is undergoing significant roster changes during an unusual offseason, particularly on defense. Departures include Ethan Edwards, Jacob Truscott (eligibility expired), Miles Gust, and Will Felicio (transfer portal). Returning defenders are Tyler Duke, Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, Luca Fantilli, Hunter Hady, and Josh Orrico, with Duke and Rheaume-Mullen projected as second-pair players and Fantilli/Hady as third-pair options.

The team adds transfers Henry Mews (OHL Sudbury Wolves) and Ben Robertson (Cornell). Mews, an offensively dominant defenseman with 82 points in 58 games, is expected to quarterback the power play. Robertson, praised for advanced stats and puck-moving abilities, ranked fourth nationally in his freshman year. Three incoming freshmen—Drew Schock, Asher Barnett, and Gennady Chaly—add depth, though Chaly’s arrival may require further departures due to roster size constraints.

Forward changes include Jackson Hallum (signed with Vegas), Will Whitelaw/Evan Werner (transfers), and Mark Estapa/Thomas Daskas/Philippe Lapointe (eligibility expired). Returning forwards are grouped into probable top-six (TJ Hughes, Garrett Schifsky, Michael Hage, Will Horcoff) and bottom-six (Josh Eernisse, Nick Moldenhauer, Kienan Draper). Newcomers Jayden Perron (North Dakota transfer), Cole McKinney (likely second-round pick), and Aidan Park (Shattuck product) join the roster, with McKinney poised to compete for top-six minutes immediately.