The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Avalanche to sign this summer. "He's a heart-and-soul type of player who seems to value the college experi- ence more than most," an NHL scout shared. "He has morphed into a third-line/ special-teams type player at the next level. There is always the possibility of a goal-scoring breakout if he stays at Michigan for his senior season. "Best guess is that he values a college degree more than he values advancing to pro hockey a year early." Tyler Motte: NHL franchises rarely go all-out to sign fourth-round prospects, and Motte lacks the prototypical size at 5-9, 193 pounds, but he's also the kind of young player the NHL has been moving towards in recent years — college alumni that can step onto a third or fourth line and excel in a penalty-killing role. The Chicago Blackhawks' 2013 selection was enjoying a career year with 18 goals scored in 21 games through Jan. 18, and he has also proved himself a playmaker, contributing 22 assists during his sophomore season. "Motte typifies that upperclassman whose game matures and grows with time and experience," the scout said. "He needs another year at the college level to consolidate those gains." Michael Downing: An early fourth-round pick of the Florida Panthers, also in 2013, the 6-2, 200-pound defender has tremendous offensive upside, recording 11 goals and 37 assists in 89 career games through Jan. 18. He also brings a physical element to the ice, using his hips and shoulders to level unsuspecting skaters carrying the puck. "Downing's aggressive style of play fits less in college than if he had chosen the major junior route," the scout wrote to us. "Learning how to meld aggres- sion and the underrated puck skills he possesses can be achieved with another year at the college level, but his decision will depend on advice from Florida, and whether they see him as a piece in their puzzle next year or in two years." Kyle Connor: The lone first-round pick among these four, going to Winnipeg at No. 17 in the 2015 NHL Draft, Connor led the Maize and Blue in goals (18) and points (36) through Jan. 18, after enjoying a 10-game point streak from Dec. 4 to Jan. 17. The 6-1, 175-pounder does not yet have an NHL body, but he has an NHL game, and the success of Dylan Larkin a few months removed from his fresh- man year — he was named to the NHL All-Star Team this season — will likely have pro teams asking if they have the next Larkin among their draft picks. "His electric skills have been no surprise to NHL observers," the scout said. "Winnipeg is not shy about advancing a college player to pro hockey, poaching both Jacob Trouba and Andrew Copp from Michigan before their sophomore and senior seasons, and Kyle Connor is likely 50/50 whether he's a 'one-and- done' or sticks around for a second year." — Michael Spath