The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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NHL blue line. "If you would have asked me in November if he was ready for the NHL, I would have said no because I think he looked a little flat, but the World Junior tournament has a way of bringing out a player's best, and it looks like he's translating that perfor- mance since getting back with Michi- gan," Starman said. "He has such a bright future in hockey. He's going to play in the NHL, and whether it's this year or next year or in two years, he's going to have a long stay, and I bet a successful career. "Michigan's coaches know that day is coming, and the fans have to expect it too. The best thing to do is to sit back and appreciate him while he's here." ❏ Michigan's Potential Early Departures After This Season Sophomore defenseman Zach Werenski is not the only Wolverine that could defect to the pros after the season. According to sources, the Maize and Blue believe four more skaters might sign with their NHL teams: junior forwards J.T. Compher and Tyler Motte, junior defenseman Michael Downing and freshman forward Kyle Connor. J.T. Compher: Michigan's captain, the 5-11, 193-pounder was a 2013 second- round pick of the Buffalo Sabres and was traded to the Colorado Avalanche over the summer. In 90 career games through Jan. 18, he had 30 goals and 57 assists, and was plus-35. Though he is exactly the kind of athlete that would usually stick around for four years, wearing the 'C' for another season, Compher will likely face in- tense pressure from the Junior forward J.T. Compher will likely face intense pressure from the NHL's Colorado Avalanche to sign this summer. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL