CHN Preseason Top 10

Just Try and Stop the Bulldogs

by Joe Meloni/Senior Writer (@JoeMeloni)

Finding a Top 10, frankly, just was not easy this time around. Not because too many teams are good, but because outside of the top couple, too many teams have question marks. Feel free to put a bunch of these teams, and those just outside the mix, and put them in a blender. More and more, with so much changeover, it's the teams that can most quickly integrate the newcomers, and do it well, and/or who have a number of solid vets, that will stand out. This was always true, but the phenomenon has never been more pronounced.

That said, the top is simple ...

1. Minnesota-Duluth

Not much to be said about Scott Sandelin's Bulldogs. They've won the last two national championships. They return the goaltender that won both of those titles, five of their top six defensemen, and a deep group of forwards that control play throughout the rink. UMD is the program against which all others measure themselves as the 2019-20 season begins. The first three-peat since the only three-peat — Michigan from 1951-1953 — is certainly in play.

2. Denver

Denver was young last season. The Pioneers didn't score much. And they still were a bounce or two away from a second trip to a national championship game in three years. Losing only a handful of contributors from last season puts DU in great position to challenge UMD for supremacy in the NCHC and national stage. Ian Mitchell is a Hobey Baker candidate on the blue line. Bobby Brink, a second-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers and 2018-19 USHL Forward of the year, is a candidate for an immediate and major impact. Filip Larsson's decision to leave college after one season is a small concern given DU's defensive dominance, sophomore Devin Cooley (.934 save percentage in 20 appearances) returning, and the arrival of 2018 Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick Magnus Chrona to complement him.

3. Minnesota State

One of these days, the Mavericks are going to win an NCAA tournament game. Until then, it means they have to prove it every year. Bringing back 2018-19 College Hockey News Rookie of the Year in goaltender Dryden McKay along with more than 93 percent of their goals from last season, the Mavericks are ready to silence any skeptics once again. Sure, they play in the WCHA, but they'll be there when the season's biggest games start. Just like they always are under Mike Hastings.

4. Notre Dame

It gets murky from this point forward. Outside of the top three, there is uncertainty for every realistic contender. And where many programs have some questions right now, Notre Dame has certainty. Cale Morris is back for his senior season in South Bend. Jeff Jackson and his long-time assistants Paul Pooley and Andy Slaggart remain at the helm for the Fighting Irish. Even without their top two defensemen from a season ago — Bobby Nardella graduated and Andrew Peeke signed with the Buffalo Sabres — UND will be there when trophy season comes around.

5. Boston College

Lost in last year's disappointment for Boston College was the all-American campaign put together by David Cotton. Back for his senior season, Cotton is a Hobey Baker frontrunner. Joining him at the Heights are a triumverate of first-round picks — Matthew Boldy, Alex Newhook and Spencer Knight — along with second-round pick Drew Helleson. In total, five NHL draft picks joined BC for this season. As we've seen, it doesn't guarantee the Eagles will return to their previous glory. It's a good start, though.

6. Massachusetts

The best season in program history took UMass to its first Frozen Four and national championship game appearance. So much of UMass' success came while either Hobey Baker-winning defenseman Cale Makar or fellow sophomore standout Mario Ferraro were on the ice, it's difficult to see UMass achieving the same level of success. The Minutemen return the sixth-most goals of any team in the country and the goaltending tandem of Filip Lindberg and Matt Murray. Another strong recruiting class, highlighted by New York Rangers third-round pick Zac Jones, means Greg Carvel's team should continue its upward trajectory even if the Minutemen take a step back from last season's historic run.

7. Providence

Providence suffered three early departures in the offseason and the transfer of a 2018 first-round pick in Jay O'Brien. This, on top of graduating key contributors from its senior class, leaves Nate Leaman with plenty of holes to fill. He's demonstrated throughout his time as a Division I hockey coach, however, that he's among the nation's best at exactly that. The Friars have questions right now. By the winter break, they'll have answers and aspirations for championships.

8. Penn State

Well, they're gonna score a lot. The Nittany Lions, no surprise, return more offense than anyone else in the country. Alex Limoges, Liam Folkes, Evan Barratt and all of their high-flying friends are back in Happy Valley. Unfortunately for Penn State, the question still remains of its ability to keep opponents from responding. Peyton Jones returns for his senior season. An experienced defensive group in front of him will need to do more to help Jones. However, the Nittany Lions will never be out of a game with their scoring prowess and even national average defense should push PSU into the NCAA tournament, something they just missed out on a year ago.

9. Cornell

Ravaged by injuries for most of the 2018-19 season, Cornell still enjoyed a remarkable year. A regular-season ECAC title, playoff championship game appearance and NCAA tournament bid (and one win) were all well-earned. And most of the players that made Cornell successful last season return to Ithaca for another chance to get the Big Red back to the Frozen Four. Mitch Vanderlaan was an important presence for Cornell even if his production is ultimately replaceable. Morgan Barron will be looked upon to make a leap offensively. Matt Nuttle and Alex McCrea played big minutes on the blue line and will be missed, but Yanni Kaldis, Alex Green and goalie Matt Galajda return. And Mike Schafer has repeatedly shown an ability to plug and play with his lineup and system. This year will be no different.

10. Clarkson

The early departures of Jake Kielly and Nico Sturm will create some challenges for Clarkson. However, Casey Jones has created something sustainable in the North Country. The Golden Knights have played in each of the last two NCAA tournaments after a nine-year absence. Returning largely the same roster, Clarkson will be right in the thick of it in the ECAC and national picture.

The next tier, as it were, could easily crack this top 10. As we said, put them in a blender for all we know, that's how much uncertainty there is straight through the top 20. Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Quinnipiac, Harvard, Boston University, Bowling Green, North Dakota, St. Cloud State, Northeastern, Western Michigan all have personnel that you could envision getting their team into the mix — but all have major question marks as well. Wisconsin will be particularly among the most fun to keep an eye on, with its extraordinary recruiting class, and if they can get those guys to blend in, play as a team, and not be looking towards their first NHL contract.