WCHA Departures: Who is Next?

So Who is Next?

So are the Gophers the next WCHA team to lose another star player? The Pens want to meet with Minnesota defenseman Alex Goligoski this week. It's no mystery that Goli is an awesome defensive prospect with a great upside on the offensive side of the ice. It is my opinion that Alex is one of the best in the WCHA if not the NCAA. Goligoski would also fit nicely into the Pens up tempo style of play.

Penguins to meet with prospect Goligoski
By Rob Rossi
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The Penguins could have a firm grasp on the immediate future of prospect Alex Goligoski after the prized University of Minnesota defenseman meets Tuesday with team officials in the Twin Cities. Goligoski, the club's second-round pick (61st overall) in the 2004 entry draft, will meet general manager Ray Shero for the first time this morning. Assistant general manager Chuck Fletcher also will attend the face-to-face meeting -- perhaps an indication that the team expects to learn from Goligoski, 21, his intentions for the upcoming season.

Goligoski, a left-handed offensive-minded defenseman, scored 25 goals and recorded 98 points in 118 games over the past three seasons with Minnesota. However, he has informed college coaches and teammates that he wishes to decide soon whether to return for his final year of eligibility or turn pro.

Considered one of the top defensemen in collegiate hockey, Goligoski, a second-team All-American, would seem a long shot to play in the NHL next season. But he would rate a serious contender to play for the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Nothing on Brian Lee

The Goon is predicting that Brian Lee will be announcing this week that he is returning for another season of hockey at the University of North Dakota.

The Senators have a deep prospect group on defense led by 2005 ninth overall pick Brian Lee, who will likely play another season with University of North Dakota before turning pro...