Don Lucia's team will have a high-profile transfer coming in for the fourth consecutive season.
Forward Connor Hurley is enrolled at Minnesota after three years at Notre Dame, multiple sources tell The Gopher Hockey Blog. Additionally, the University of Minnesota officially announced Hurley would join the roster Tuesday (September 5, 2017). He will wear #25.
Unlike recent Wisconsin transfer Kyle Hayton, who can play in goal for the Badgers right away, Hurley is not a grad transfer. He will have to sit out 2017-18 before being eligible in 2018-19. Having Hurley eligible in 2018 helps a team that will lose Leon Bristedt and any early forward departures.
The Edina, MN native was the highest drafted Minnesotan in a 2013 draft that featured Jake Guentzel, Hudson Fasching and Jonny Brodzinski (all of whom have played NHL games). At the time his tremendous vision and playmaking abilities as a two-way player were heralded despite being the youngest player in his draft class.
Hurley, a 2nd round selection by the Buffalo Sabres (38th overall), did not play in the second half of his junior season. During the first half he was fourth among Notre Dame forwards in points per game (0.78 PPG). Hurley finishes with 48 points (14G-34A) in 98 games for the Fighting Irish.
The 6'2", 185 lbs Hurley returning home continues a recent trend. Tyler Nanne will suit up this season after transferring from Ohio State and sitting out 2016-17. Before Nanne, Mike Szmatula transferred from Northeastern in 2015. Nick Seeler (UNO) did the same in 2014.
All except Nanne, who will make his Minnesota debut as a sophomore, came in as upperclassmen.
Updated with Gophers officially announcing and jersey number.
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