Early Departures racking up in the WCHA

So far this off season there 9 12 WCHA hockey players that will not be coming back to their college teams next season. There are a few others players that could move on and sign professional or return to Junior Hockey. I think one of the bigger shockers this week was the UMD Bulldog goalie Brady Hjelle leaving the Dogs.

I suppose you could say that there is a slight chance that Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan might sign professional contracts with the New York Rangers. There is no reason for either player to hurry and sign.

There has been two schools of thought on whether Ryan McDonagh will sign with the Rangers or not. Ranger's head coach John Tortorella’s favorite beat writer Larry Brooks seems to think that the Rangers are trying to sign Ryan McDonagh. Jess Rubenstein from the The Prospect Park has a little different prospective on the matter.

The Sioux are going to lose David Toews to the WHL and could possibly lose Corey Fienhage who was recently placed on the protected list by the WHL's Kamloops Blazers. EDIT: s/t to Lets Go Mavs as she reminded me that Tyler Pitlick might be leaving the Mavericks and one of their freshmen goalies Kevin Murdock is going back to Juniors.

The early depatures list

Denver -- 3
Joe Colborne, So, F, Boston Bruins
Patrick Wiercioch, So, D, Ottawa Senators
Marc Cheverie, Jr, G, Florida Panthers

Alaska-Anchorage -- 2
Lee Baldwin, Fr, D, New York Rangers
Bryce Christianson, Jr, G, Stockton (ECHL)

Wisconsin -- 2
Cody Goloubef, Jr, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
*Brendan Smith, Jr, D, Detroit Red Wings (signing with the Redwings)

Minnesota -- 1
Jordan Schroeder, So, F, Vancouver Canucks

Minnesota-Duluth -- 2
Rob Bordson, Jr, F, Anaheim Ducks
Brady Hjelle, So, G, going back to juniors

University of North Dakota -- 1
David Toews, So, F, going to the WHL

Minnesota State Mankato -- 1
Kevin Murdock, Fr, G, going to Lincoln Stars USHL