Gophers hockey loses Fasching early; who might be next?

The Gophers men's hockey program lost its best player Monday when Hudson Fasching announced he would join the Buffalo Sabres organization.

The big-bodied junior forward co-led the team with 20 goals and was the team's second-leading scorer with 38 points. Fasching's strength and presence in front of the net was just as valuable as his scoring and will leave the big void in the Gophers' lineup.

Fasching is the first to announce he'll leave college early to sign a pro contract, though he is scheduled to graduate with his degree this spring.

Junior defenseman Nick Seeler is also expected to graduate this spring and it's uncertain if he'll return for his final year of eligibility. Seeler sat out last season after transferring from Nebraska-Omaha and will turn 23 years old June.

Seeler was a fifth-round draft pick in 2011 by the Wild and could pursue an entry-level contract. He provided the Gophers with a big physical presence on the backend and contributed 10 assists. He also had a team-best plus-21 rating and 91 blocks.

The rest of the Gophers' high-end talent and 10 other draft picks might need more time to develop.

The team's leading scorer and captain Justin Kloos is undrafted, but could attract interest as a free agent. The forward totaled 43 points (16 goals, 27 assists) and help lead a young team to a fifth straight regular-season conference championship.

Kloos didn't commit to returning for his senior season after the Gophers' season ended with a loss in the Big Ten tournament championship game last week.

Sophomore forward Leon Bristedt showed off his impressive skating and stick-handling skills at times throughout the season and matched Fasching's 20 goals. Bristedt also had 17 assists for 37 points and a plus-18 rating.

The Swedish-born player blossomed this year after struggling to acclimate as a freshman. Though, he too, is undrafted, teams might show interest. Bristedt has often emphasized the value of getting a college education, which could argue he's committed for all four years.

Junior defensemen Michael Brodzinski and Jake Bischoff both had good years and have their draft rights owned by the San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders, respectively.

Brodzinski was a second-team All-Big Ten honoree and led all defensemen with 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists), had a plus-8 rating and 52 blocks. Bischoff totaled 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) and had 66 blocks.

The Gophers announced their early signing class – Ryan Lindgren (Minneapolis), Sam Rossini (Inver Grove Heights), Ryan Zuhlsdorf (Edina), Garrett Wait (Edina) and Rem Pitlick (Plymouth) in November and most are expected to enroll in the fall. Zuhlsdorf, Rossini and Lindgren would help fill any holes left on defense. Wait and Pitlick (led the USHL with 40 goals, 37 assists) are expected to help boost the Gophers' offense, which struggled to be consistent this season.