At the next level

Last update: October 18, 2007 - 8:52 PM

Sixteen WCHA players with eligibility remaining signed with NHL teams the past offseason. Four of them are playing in the NHL:

Erik Johnson

D • St. Louis

The 6-4, 219-pound defenseman signed with the Blues after his freshman season at Minnesota when he made the all-WCHA rookie team. Johnson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NHL draft. He had a game-winning goal and an assist in two games for St. Louis, but a broken bone in his right foot has kept him out since.

Matt Niskanen

D • Dallas

The 28th pick in the 2005 NHL draft, Niskanen played two seasons at Minnesota Duluth. He made the all-WCHA first team as a sophomore. He has two assists in six games for the Stars.

Jonathan Toews

C • Chicago

He played two seasons at North Dakota, making the all-WCHA second team last season. The 6-2, 203-pound center was the No. 3 pick in the 2006 NHL draft. He has one goal and two assists in four games for the Blackhawks.

Steve Wagner

D • St. Louis

The 6-2, 200-pound defenseman has three assists in five games for the Blues. He was not drafted but signed a pro contract with the Blues after his junior season at Minnesota State Mankato when he was named to the all-WCHA third team.

ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ

Recent Gophers stories

Smith, Harris each score 16 as Wake Forest cruised to a 76-52 win over Winston-Salem State - October 18, 2007

Smith, Harris each score 16 as Wake Forest cruised to a 76-52 win over Winston-Salem State - Ishmael Smith and C.J. Harris scored 16 points apiece to help Wake Forest cruised to 76-52 win over Winston-Salem State on Tuesday night. More