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Minnesota State sophomore defenseman Daniel Brickley was off to an incredible start to his second season in Mankato. Brickley has posted a goal and nine assists for 10 points through Minnesota State’s first six games. That makes him the highest-scoring defenseman in the NCAA so far this season, the national leader in assists, and tied for fourth nationally in scoring.
The hot start has made Brickley an early candidate to be one of college hockey’s top undrafted free agents NHL teams will fight to sign at the end of this season.
Talked about Minnesota State DMan, Daniel Brickley on InsiderTrading. 30+ NHL scouts at game on wknd to watch the college free agent.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 19, 2016
Brickley is typical late bloomer. Now 6'3, 215 lbs. Good size and excellent poise with the puck. Oilers and Jets among many with interest.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 19, 2016
But his outstanding start to the season hit a snag late Saturday night in Minnesota State’s 4-2 loss at Alaska Fairbanks. In the third period of that game, Brickley blocked a shot with his arm and left the ice in pain.
The diagnosis on the injury was not good. Minnesota State head coach Mike Hastings told Shane Frederick of the Mankato Free Press that Brickley will be out “for awhile”.
Minnesota State is off to a very fast 5-1-0 start to the season, but the loss of Brickley for an extended period of time could prove problematic for the Mavericks. Minnesota State hosts a winless, but still difficult Ferris State team this weekend, before series against Lake Superior State and Bemidji State, both of whom are off to hot starts as well.