Live updates: Tracking Michigan hockey offseason changes
The Michigan hockey offseason continues to be a busy one. Multiple have already announced their return and some have announced their departure, but one key player still has a big decision to make.
Additionally, Michigan has already landed two commitments through the Transfer Portal.
Below is a full breakdown of all the changes of Michigan hockey's offseason.
Players who have announced they are departing
F Frank Nazar III
Just two days after Michigan's season ended in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the Frozen Four, Nazar III signed with the Chicago Blackhawks. The signed officially ended his tenure at Michigan.
The day after he signed with the Blackhawks, Nazar III, in his NHL debut, scored his first career NHL goal.
F Gavin Brindley
Brindley wasn't as quick to sign his NHL contract (with the Columbus Blue Jackets), but the Big Ten Player of the Year ultimately ended up forgoing his remaining two seasons of eligibility in favor of the professional route.
He made his NHL debut for the Blue Jackets on Tuesday in a 6-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.
D Dylan Duke
Duke signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning after three years in Ann Arbor. He made his AHL debut with the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning's AHL affiliate, on Wednesday.
Players who have announced they are returning
F Rutger McGroarty
McGroarty will return to Michigan for his junior season. He was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets with the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, but after reported discussions with the franchise, McGroarty ultimately decided to return for a third season in Ann Arbor.
He is a member of Michigan's top line and his return is one of the biggest moves of the offseason.
D Jacob Truscott
Michigan hockey announced on Wednesday that Jacob Truscott will return to Michigan for his fifth season. The captain's return to the program is a huge addition for the Wolverines heading into 2024-25.
F T.J. Hughes
On Thursday, Michigan also announced the return of junior forward T.J. Hughes. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward has totaled 84 points (32 goals, 52 assists) in his two seasons at Michigan.
Hughes will be a big piece for Michigan next season.
Incoming transfers committed to Michigan
G Logan Stein
Ferris State's Logan Stein has committed to Michigan. The fifth-year senior had a .910 save percentage and a 2.90 goals allowed average last season with the Bulldogs. Ferris State finished 63rd in the PairWise rankings out of 64 teams.
With the departures of Jake Barczewski and Noah West (who transferred to Ferris State, ironically), Stein will be an early candidate to be Michigan's starting goaltender next season.
D Tim Lovell
Lovell arrives in Ann Arbor after three seasons at Arizona State. He began his career at Boston College, but he will now play his fifth season of college hockey at Michigan.
He was a Hobey Baker Award nominee in 2023-24 with 37 total points (five goals, 32 assists).
F William Whitelaw
Whitelaw hails from Rosemount, Minnesota, and he will arrive in Ann Arbor after one season at Wisconsin. He was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
In his one season with the Badgers, Whitelaw helped the team earn the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. Wisconsin was upset by Ohio State in the first round of the conference tournament and the Badgers were then bested by Quinnipiac in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Whitelaw, a 19-year-old, tallied 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) last season for the Badgers.
Players who have yet to announce a decision
D Seamus Casey
Casey is the last player with a big decision to make. He was drafted 46th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2022 NHL Draft, but he could also elect to return for his junior season like McGroarty and Hughes both did.
In his two years at Michigan, Casey has tallied 74 points (15 goals, 59 assists). It's already looking like Michigan will be in contention for another Frozen Four appearance next season, but if Casey decides to return, that hope grows even more.
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