The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/495628
As of April 7, he had not suited up for the Jets. A 31-point per for mer in 2014-15, Copp was an instru- mental skater for the Wol- verines, earning the role as Michigan's top centerman with responsibilities on the power play and penalty kill. His depar- ture hurts U-M both in terms of production and leadership. All eyes now turn to a pair of rookies — center Dylan Larkin and defenseman Zach Weren- ski. Larkin was a Detroit Red Wings first-round pick in 2014, while Werenski is expected to go in the top 15 picks of this summer's NHL Draft. The 6-1, 192-pound Larkin ranked sec- ond among the Wolverines in goals (15), assists (32) and points (47) in earning Big Ten Rookie of the Year honors this season. The Red Wings have told Larkin the decision is his, they will not pursue him this offseason, but if he wants to sign a contract, they will offer him one. Sources put his return to U-M at 60-40. The 6-2, 214-pound Werenski projects as a top-four defense- man in the NHL. He was an All- Big Ten first-team selection as a rookie after scoring nine goals and producing 25 total points, and was, arguably, Michigan's top defender by season's end. He is expected to return regardless of his draft position, with sources putting his decision at 80-20 in favor of playing for U-M next year. — Michael Spath After tallying 31 points (14 goals and 17 assists) in 2014-15, junior captain Andrew Copp bypassed his final season at U-M and signed a pro contract with the Winnipeg Jets March 26. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL