Gopher commit Robbie Stucker traded to Fargo

Minnesota commit Robbie Stucker was traded Monday from Chicago (USHL) to Fargo.

The Force acquired Stucker as part of a eight player deal that also saw two picks trade hands.

Stucker, who committed to the Gophers in December, has 19 points (4G-15A) in 34 games this season with the Steel. The defenseman is a 2017 7th round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets and a St. Paul native.

In a roundabout way, Stucker heading to Fargo helps the Force replace an offensive defenseman hole opened when current Gopher Clayton Phillips was traded to Muskegon in October. Phillips spent two months in Muskegon before enrolling a semester early. The Force being able to trade a 2nd round USHL Phase 1 pick was helped by receiving an extra one in the Phillips trade.

Fargo is currently fifth place in a tight USHL Western Conference. Three points separate first and fifth place. Chicago, the defending champion, is tied for third in the USHL Eastern Conference with 40 points.

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Stucker isn't the only Gopher commit traded in the USHL this week as teams ramp for Tuesday's trade deadline. Rhett Pitlick's affiliate rights were also traded this weekend.

Pitlick the younger's USHL rights went from Central Illinois to Omaha. He currently is a sophomore at Chaska (HS-MN) where he leads the Hawks in goals with 17. Previous Gophers to have played for Omaha include current players Brannon McManus and Steve Johnson along with Minnesota alums Ben Marshall, Seth Ambroz and Erik Haula.