The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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wards could demand roles on UM's top three lines, but with four of their top six forwards returning, the Wolverines don't have to thrust the rookies into prominent roles. They will, instead, have the chance to earn those opportunities. "I think Compher will definitely be a player that if he lives up to expectations will push our returning players to center one of our top two lines," Berenson started. "But he doesn't need to be our No. 1 center immediately because [sophomores] Boo Nieves and Andrew Copp proved themselves in those roles this year. "I like the forwards we have coming in. They don't have to lead our team in scoring, but they could. Evan Allen is an opportunistic player. Motte is a smart player that makes plays. Kile could be a kid that surprises you." Defensemen Will Factor Into Top Six While Michigan's returning offensive players should make the transition easier for the Maize and Blue's first-year forwards, U-M's blue line is more desperate for help. Shortly after Michigan's season ended, its top two defensemen, Jon Merrill and Jacob Trouba, opted to sign pro contracts, voiding their senior and sophomore seasons, respectively. Senior Lee Moffie, the Wolverines' No. 4 defender, graduated, while Connor Carrick's departure last summer before he even enrolled for his freshman year will have a greater impact in 2014 because of the loss of quality depth. In Michael Downing and Nolan De Jong, Michigan has signed two talented defensemen that should step into the top six instantly. "They're both well-rounded defensemen and bring a bit of size to the blue line," said associate head coach Billy Powers, who works with the blue liners. "They both have puck abilities to provide some offense, but they're also really smart, intelligent defensemen. Both have competed at high levels previous to coming here, and that's huge because they won't be overwhelmed as freshmen. "They're going to have to log minutes for us. They'll be freshmen and make mistakes, but I believe they're ready to come in and add something to our team." The 6-3, 190-pound Downing is ranked the No. 49 prospect for this year's NHL Draft. The Canton, Mich., native played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL the past two years, netting seven goals and 30 assists in 106 games. "Downing could grow into an offensive player, but right now he's working on being a good defensive defenseman," Berenson said. "He doesn't have the numbers, but I think he has the smarts and I think he'll emerge as that kind of multi-purpose player eventually." De Jong is a naturally more gifted offensive defenseman, contributing five goals and 19 assists in 51 games for the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League this past year. De Jong (6-1, 165) is ranked No. 111 in the CSS final draft rankings. "We need defensemen that can