Random thoughts

I would like to expand on this topic that I posted on at USCHO.COM...

Originally Posted by jk on USCHO.Com
Couple things about Lee.
However, I had pretty much the same thoughts on Okposo, and I think his recent decision (rather, the decision made for him by the NYI) might be a sign that teams are starting to see the value in leaving players in college. So now I think there is a chance that he might return.

My Post:
I am glad that not all the GM's in the NHL are anti College and in a hurry to yank these kids out of college. As we can see the WCHA has done a pretty good job preparing kids for the NHL. Insert example: Matt Carle, Zach Parise, Phil Kessel etc...

I was re-listening to the interview that Puffy did with tDon on KFAN after the Gopher's season was ended by the Sioux in March (Yeah I know). Basically Universityh of Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said something that really hit home. Maybe it was pointed at some of his players as well. His message was: your time in school for the most part is fun and a very short, don't make any rash decision. Once you sign your contract your an employee and its not always as fun as it's perceived to be. It's not all glamour and its a business.
You have to love the i-Pod option.

the Player only gets 4 years to play and then your career is over. Don went on to say that he has never heard a player regret leaving college too late, but has heard a few say they left way too early. he mentioned Jake Taylor and how he would have like to re-thought his decision. Then tDon made reference to former all-American Jordan Leopold and how he came back his fourth year and hit the jack pot... NCAA, Hobey Baker...

I guess it's up to the player and we will move on eventually no matter what Lee's decision is... The fact it's taken so long makes it more and more nerve racking. Sioux fans want to know who is going to be there when the puck drops on October 7th...

The Break Down

There are few top players (Schneider, B.C.; Goligoski, Minnesota; Lee, UND) in college hockey are deciding if they want to make the next step and sign a professional contract and start getting paid to play hockey, a child home dream of many of these players. Each of the players has a little different situation.

Brian Lee probably has no chance to make the Senators opening day roster and has basically shown an interest to sign a professional contract even though the senators have been on record and hinted he should go back to school and work on his development.

The Canucks want to sign Cory Schneider, he is probably destined to the back up role or more than likely is off to tend goal for the Manitoba Moose due to Canucks having a top flight goalie Roberto Luongo as their starter for the next three years. The mind set of many hockey pundents is that Cory could develop more in the AHL than in the NCAA. Also some have suggested that the Canucks could trade Cory for a top UFA that can make an immediate impact on the Canucks team.

Goligoski seems to have the best chance to make the pens if his off season injury/surgery heals in time to play in the fall. Of course Gophers fans are holding their breath and basically coming up with all the reason why Goli should come back tot the Gophers. Pittsburg is not going to risk losing Goligoski to another team and will make a serious push to get him locked up to a entry level contract...

The move on to the next level means they will forgo the rest of their college eligibility. One would believe this is a tough decision due to the fact these players have taken so long to make the decision.