Michigan Hockey has been on a bit of a recruiting rampage recently, ripping off a series of commitments for its next few recruiting classes. Today we will attempt to break down a few of them, gazing into our 'Crystal Puck' to see what they can bring to the Wolverines in the future. As we aren't privy to the coach’s plan on when to bring players into Michigan, some off the players listed below may come in next year, while others may end up spending another season or two of development in the USHL. Two final notes: a few of the players on this list are from the USNTDP, others from regular USHL clubs. Additionally, we should also point out that there are no goalies listed here, as Stephen Peck, Michigan's lone goalie commit, is playing in the NAHL and may be a couple years away. The future of the crease will be something for Michigan to figure out in the coming months.
Christian Humphreys
US NTDP U-18
5'10"/160
Center / Shoots Right
Where he's from: Christian Humphreys hails from Pittsburgh, PA and is currently playing for the US NTDP U18 team.
What he brings: Humphreys' decommitment from Michigan State and commitment to Michigan is probably the second biggest recruiting news story in college hockey this year next to Cole Eiserman flipping from Minnesota to Boston University. In Humphreys, Michigan is getting a centerman with great offensive skills, who is deceptive with the puck and has an explosive and deadly accurate shot. Currently, Humphreys is projected to be a late first round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, with the only critiques about him being his size, which is comparable to Frank Nazar III, and his defensive play without the puck, which is something that is teachable and not an uncommon issue for young, skilled forwards. Look for him to make an immediate impact when he arrives at Michigan as a player who drives an offensive line.
'Crystal Puck' Projection: With either Frank Nazar III or Gavin Brindley (or both) possibly leaving Michigan after this season, I'd expect Humphreys to be slotted in as the 2nd line center for next season behind TJ Hughes, with the possibility of surpassing Hughes as the season moves along.
Michael Hage
Chicago Steel
6'1"/190
Center - Right Wing / Shoots Right
Where he's from: Michael Hage hails from Mississauga, Ontario and is currently playing for the Chicago Steel in the USHL
What he brings: The talent pipeline from the Chicago Steel to the University of Michigan just keeps flowing with Michael Hage next in a long line of players including Owen Power, Brendan Brisson, Mackie Samoskevich, and Nick Moldenhauer. Hage is projected at this time to be an early 2nd round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and looks to bring size, speed, and skill along with a high hockey IQ. Hage likes to shoot the puck when given the opportunity, which is reflected so far this season through him averaging over 3 shots on goal per game for the Steel. The biggest deficiency in his game is his play without the puck, which has periodically landed him in the doghouse with the Steel coaching staff. Hage has previously played center but has been shifted to right wing for the Steel so far this season, and if that trend continues, he will give the Wolverines coaching staff a lot of flexibility when it comes to slotting him in the lineup.
'Crystal Puck' Projection: Look for Hage to be slotted into the 3rd line right wing position for next year, perhaps below Moldenhauer and a Dylan Duke or Josh Eernisse. His offensive skills far outweigh his defensive shortcomings and playing the wing will help the Maize and Blue establish a game down low in the offensive zone, which helps take pressure off the defense.
[AFTER THE JUMP: More prospects]
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