Just about every team has a player that could have been on their roster this season, and would have helped their team, but isn't. Here's a look at some of those players.
Denver-Paul Stastny-A more logical pick might have been T.J. Fast or Keith Seabrook, given Denver's lack of depth on defense, but it's hard to argue with a kid who has averaged a point per game in 90 NHL games.
Minnesota-Alex Goligoski-The young Gopher defense has been pretty good so far, but after going 3/11 on the powerplay against RPI, the Gophers are 0 for their last 15 on the powerplay in their last three games. They could use Goligoski running the point on their powerplay.
Alaska-Anchorage-Eric Walsky-Walsky is playing on one of CC's top lines this year. Anchorage has found a great top line of their own, but too much scoring has never been a problem in Anchorage.
Wisconsin-Sam Gagner-Gagner, the 6th overall pick in last summer's draft, had originally committed to Wisconsin before jumping to the OHL. How fun would it have been to watch him on a line with Kyle Turris?
Nebraska-Omaha-Bill Thomas-Thomas would have been a senior this year, and a good season likely would have made him UNO's all-time leading scorer. A less obvious choice would be John Kemp, who is still committed to UNO, but was unable to qualify academically to play college hockey this year. He likely would have been a top playmaker on UNO's team.
Minnesota State-Steve Wagner-After last weekend, it looks like MSU could use Ryan Carter's blast from the right point on the powerplay, but Wagner's 30 minutes of solid defense per night would have been extremely valuable to a team thin on defense.
Michigan-Andrew Cogliano-Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik could use a speedy playmaker in the mold of T.J. Hensick playing between them while Max Pacioretty adjusts to the college game.
North Dakota-Jonathan Toews-The Sioux don't need much, but having a guy that can this would be fun.
Bowling Green-Jonathan Matsumoto-Josh Unice's departure is becoming a distant memory thanks to pretty good goal play so far from Jimmy Spratt and Nick Eno. BG could have used Matsumoto's offense when they were shutout by Niagara though.
Michigan State-Jim McKenzie-McKenzie's departure wasn't a critical loss, but choices here were limited. McKenzie is a big kid that would have provided some experience and leadership.
St. Cloud-Andrew Gordon- The Huskies miss Gordon's presence on the powerplay.
Ferris State-Dan Riedel-It was Riedel's poor behavior that got him dismissed from the Bulldogs team halfway through last year, which I'm sure FSU doesn't miss, but they also probably do miss the offensive punch he helped deliver.
Minnesota-Duluth-Matt Niskanen-The Bulldogs have recovered nicely from Niskanen's departure. Freshman Evan Oberg has played well, and Trent Palm has taken over as powerplay quarterback, but Niskanen was one of the better defenseman in the WCHA in the second half of last year.
Northern Michigan-Mike Santorelli-Duh.
Alaska-Kyle Greentree- Double duh.
Denver-Paul Stastny-A more logical pick might have been T.J. Fast or Keith Seabrook, given Denver's lack of depth on defense, but it's hard to argue with a kid who has averaged a point per game in 90 NHL games.
Minnesota-Alex Goligoski-The young Gopher defense has been pretty good so far, but after going 3/11 on the powerplay against RPI, the Gophers are 0 for their last 15 on the powerplay in their last three games. They could use Goligoski running the point on their powerplay.
Alaska-Anchorage-Eric Walsky-Walsky is playing on one of CC's top lines this year. Anchorage has found a great top line of their own, but too much scoring has never been a problem in Anchorage.
Wisconsin-Sam Gagner-Gagner, the 6th overall pick in last summer's draft, had originally committed to Wisconsin before jumping to the OHL. How fun would it have been to watch him on a line with Kyle Turris?
Nebraska-Omaha-Bill Thomas-Thomas would have been a senior this year, and a good season likely would have made him UNO's all-time leading scorer. A less obvious choice would be John Kemp, who is still committed to UNO, but was unable to qualify academically to play college hockey this year. He likely would have been a top playmaker on UNO's team.
Minnesota State-Steve Wagner-After last weekend, it looks like MSU could use Ryan Carter's blast from the right point on the powerplay, but Wagner's 30 minutes of solid defense per night would have been extremely valuable to a team thin on defense.
Michigan-Andrew Cogliano-Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik could use a speedy playmaker in the mold of T.J. Hensick playing between them while Max Pacioretty adjusts to the college game.
North Dakota-Jonathan Toews-The Sioux don't need much, but having a guy that can this would be fun.
Bowling Green-Jonathan Matsumoto-Josh Unice's departure is becoming a distant memory thanks to pretty good goal play so far from Jimmy Spratt and Nick Eno. BG could have used Matsumoto's offense when they were shutout by Niagara though.
Michigan State-Jim McKenzie-McKenzie's departure wasn't a critical loss, but choices here were limited. McKenzie is a big kid that would have provided some experience and leadership.
St. Cloud-Andrew Gordon- The Huskies miss Gordon's presence on the powerplay.
Ferris State-Dan Riedel-It was Riedel's poor behavior that got him dismissed from the Bulldogs team halfway through last year, which I'm sure FSU doesn't miss, but they also probably do miss the offensive punch he helped deliver.
Minnesota-Duluth-Matt Niskanen-The Bulldogs have recovered nicely from Niskanen's departure. Freshman Evan Oberg has played well, and Trent Palm has taken over as powerplay quarterback, but Niskanen was one of the better defenseman in the WCHA in the second half of last year.
Northern Michigan-Mike Santorelli-Duh.
Alaska-Kyle Greentree- Double duh.