The University of Denver hockey team, the reigning national champion, is poised to be just as good next season if everyone with remaining eligibility returns. Trouble is, the flight risks are more likely to sign professional contracts if coach Jim Montgomery takes an NHL head coaching job.
Montgomery, who has shown a steady improvement curve in his four years at DU, is currently vacationing in Orlando, Fla., and tentatively scheduled to meet with the Florida Panthers about their coaching vacancy in the next week or so. He is advising each of his young stars to remain in school but understands the pressure and allure of going pro — particularly in a domino effect that could begin with the popular coach leaving for the NHL.
The Pioneers’ player flight risks (alphabetical order):
C Henrik Borgstrom, Fr. (Florida Panthers)
Finished as DU’s second-leading scorer with 43 points in 37 games and was named first-team All-American and National Collegiate Hockey Conference rookie of the year. All signs point toward “Nicky” returning for his sophomore year and being a preseason Hobey Baker Award candidate as national player of the year. A 2016 first-round selection of the Panthers, the 6-foot-3 Borgstrom, 19, made NHL plays throughout the season — or at least after his first two games in North America. Holding Borgstrom back from the pros is his need to build on his 180-pound frame, his love for the college life and his parents’ desire for him to stay in school. Also, he is excited to play with incoming freshman forward Jaakko Heikkinen, 20, whom Borgstrom knows from the Finnish international and junior teams.
Chances of him remaining in college: 80-20, with the 20 percent only pertinent if Montgomery leaves.
C Dylan Gambrell, So. (San Jose Sharks)
The former Colorado midget standout from Bonney Lake, Wash., was DU’s third-leading scorer, with 42 points (13 goals) in 38 games. As a freshman, he was the Pioneers’ top center and put up slightly better numbers (17 goals, 47 points) in 41 games. Between his two years at Denver, the Sharks chose him late in the second round (60th overall) of the 2016 draft — he was San Jose’s first pick of the draft — and that’s generally why he may sign his entry-level contract. San Jose puts big emphasis on overseeing its top prospects with its American Hockey League affiliate, which shares the SAP Center with the Sharks.
Chances of him remaining in college: 50-50, but far less if Montgomery leaves.
D Tariq Hammond, Jr. (free agent)
He dislocated his ankle early in the third period of the national championship game and the bone fractures and ligament damage will keep him off the ice most of the summer. He might be named captain if he returns for his senior year, and that seems likely — with or without Montgomery.
Chances of him remaining in college:90-10.
G Tanner Jaillet, Jr. (free agent)
Listed at 5-11, the 2017 Mike Richter Award winner as the country’s best goalie benefited from a terrific blue-line corps that rarely turned the puck over and helped maintain pressure at the other end. But Jaillet was the definition of composed and the Pioneers fed off his leadership. He’ll probably return for his senior year because of his height, or lack thereof, because 6-3 has become the preferred height for NHL goalies.
Chances of him remaining in college: 70-30.
F Troy Terry, So. (Anaheim Ducks)
Led DU with 45 points (22 goals) in 35 games and made Colorado proud in a magical season. The Highlands Ranch product lacks strength and was one of the youngest players taken in the 2015 NHL draft, which was why he went in the fifth round. Just 19, Terry has developed nicely and made international news at the 2017 World Junior Championship for the United States in upsets wins over Russia and Canada. He is just the third American to win the WJC gold medal and NCAA championship in the same year. Everyone expects Terry to have an NHL career — after he develops the strength from increased size — and he has said he fully intends to return for his junior year. Montgomery’s possible exit, however, could change those plans.
Chances of him remaining in college: 70-30.