Rem Pitlick, who led the Gophers in scoring the past two seasons, gave up his final year of eligibility and signed with the Nashville Predators on Friday.
Pitlick got a two-year, entry-level contract with the Predators and will join them in Winnipeg, where they play the Jets on Saturday. Nashville is at the Wild on Monday night.
The Plymouth native and Shattuck-St. Mary's product had 21 goals and 24 assists this season, ranking sixth in the nation with 45 points. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, and his 31 second-half points led the country. His 10 power-play and three shorthanded goals tied him for first in Division I.
"He had a terrific season and especially just a giant second half. He's a special player," Gophers coach Bob Motzko said. "Very happy for him. Sad for us. Sure would have loved to have him back, lead our team."
Motzko credited this season's nine-man senior class for helping the team find its rhythm before a loss in the Big Ten tournament semifinals a week ago. But Motzko won't have that luxury next year. Starting goaltender Mat Robson also went pro one year early, signing as a free agent with the Wild on Monday. So next year's team will have just three seniors and a majority of underclassmen.
That also means open spots for big-time roles on the first line and at goaltender.
"We have to deal with the departure. And obviously, whole lot of minutes just opened up," Motzko said. "Top-line minutes. Power-play minutes. Everybody goes up a level."
Motzko might not find those answers until he sees the new roster skate this fall, but the team's new leadership will take shape throughout the offseason, he said. Pitlick would have been a likely choice for team captain, as this year's four captains were seniors.
