WCHA Mass Exodus

Well the time has come, It's poaching season! One shoe dropped a few weeks ago because the Gophers suck and their team has been golfing at Hazeltine National Golf Club for two weeks. Since then there has been a steady stream of early departures including two headliners today in Denvers Joe Colborne and Patrick I should be playing in the Frozen Four with Wisconsin Wiercioch. Here is a breakdown of the early departures from the WCHA so far.


Patrick Wiercioch
Denver University
Defense, Sophomore

The first team WCHA performer has signed a contract with the Ottawa Senators who drafted him in the second round in 2008. Wiercioch, a one time Badger commit, has really impressive since coming to the college game. His strength is his offensive play from the blue line and he's going to have to continue to get stronger physically and in his own end to be successful at the NHL level.


Joe Colborne
Denver University
Forward, Sophomore

The hits continue to keep on coming for Denver University. Already losing their top defenseman early (Wiercioch) hurts enough, but Colborne is pouring salt in the wound. Colborne started his career off slow, but the first round draft pick of the Boston Bruins has really come into his own this season. According to LetsGoDU the third team All-WCHA performer has signed a contract with the Boston Bruins. Colborne led the Pioneers in goals scored this season playing on a top line with seniors Rhett Rahkshani and Tyler Ruegsegger.


Rob Bordson
Minnesota-Duluth
Forward, Junior

Rob Bordson is the definition of earning a contract. After being held to zero points as an underachieving sophomore, Bordson broke out as a junior recording 40 points in 40 games. The Anaheim Ducks, who have been very aggressive signing college free agents over the past couple of seasons signed Bordson as soon as the Bulldogs season was over. The 6'2 forward from Duluth has the prototypical NHL size and it was really a no-brainer for him to take the best offer on the table. The Ducks offered him a max contract and as a college free agent, if you don't take that deal you should quit life.


Lee Baldwin
Alaska-Anchorage
Defense, Freshman

According to Anchorage Daily News reporter Doyle Woody, Alaska-Anchorage defenseman Lee Baldwin signed a contract with the New York Rangers last week. I didn't see Baldwin signing a deal this early but if the money is there as a college free agent you have to take it. Unlike drafted players, college free agents have to jump at the opportunity to sign when the offer is right. There are obviously a lot of factors that go into it but I don't blame kids like this one bit. If there is an opportunity you have to take it because if you have a down season or you get injured that opportunity may never be there again.