Gophers an odd exception as CHL stars flock to NCAA hockey powers

The CHL produces a serious amount of NHL talent every year, so it seems surprising for a program like Minnesota to, at least so far, come away with nothing — especially after losing Jimmy Snuggerud, Matthew Wood, Oliver Moore and others the pros.

The Gophers' top rival, North Dakota, has even been busy in the CHL talent pool, adding two potential first-round NHL Draft picks last week.

There are still a handful of uncommitted CHL players who will likely play in the NCAA next season. Potential No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna is at the top of that list, but Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State continue to be rumored as potential landing spots.

There's a chance Minnesota has been quiet in their recruitment, and there are more opportunities out there, but the lack of noise is sticking out like a sore thumb.

Gophers commit Hayden Reid will play in the CHL next season, making him unlikely to join the Gophers until 2026-27.

There have been over 250 CHL players who've committed to an NCAA school since last September, and the Gophers are one of 15 programs in all of Division I hockey with one or fewer commitments from the league.

It hasn't been a completely quiet offseason for the Gophers. They added Omaha forward Tanner Ludtke and Michigan State goalie Luca Di Pasquo from the transfer portal. USHL forward Tate Pritchard also flipped his commitment from Mankato to Minnesota, but it's certainly odd that Minnesota hasn't plucked any talent from the CHL.

Gophers news, rumors and analysis