Time to take an in-depth look at No. 4 Denver’s roster because the Pioneers open the 2020-21 season Wednesday night against Minnesota Duluth at the NCHC’s pod in Omaha, Neb.

When last we saw the Pioneers they were headed toward their 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament berth in a row. They had a 21-9-6 record and sat fifth in the Pairwise rankings.

Since March’s shutdown they graduated four players, lost three more to NHL signings and had two more transfer. The NHL departures included the top two point producers (Emilio Pettersen, 35, and Ian Mitchell, 32). Goaltender Devin Cooley then signed this fall.

All is not lost, however. Far from it in fact. Denver returns 63 percent of its goal scoring and 60 percent of its points.

Here is a look at each position:

Sophomore Magnus Chrona is primed to be one of the top NCAA goalies. Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

Goaltender

Who’s back: Magnus Chrona

Who’s gone: Devin Cooley (NHL) and Michael Corson (transfer)

Who’s new: Corbin Kaczperski, Jack Caruso

Analysis: Chrona was an NCHC All-Rookie Team selection last season, when he had 16 wins, a 2.15 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. Not only should he carry a heavy load for the Pioneers, but he likely will be one of the league’s top goalies, if not one of the better ones in the nation. … Kaczperski is a graduate transfer from Yale, and his journey to DU is an interesting one. The NCAA burned off a season of his eligibility because he committed the crime of playing 20 minutes in an exhibition game (his only playing time) during his freshman season. He wanted to appeal, but needed a school to appeal for him. Enter Denver, which was stung when Cooley signed with Nashville in October. DU successfully appealed and got a goaltender who has played roughly 60 NCAA games and has career numbers of 2.53 and .911. He will be eligible to play midway through the pod. … Corson transferred to Niagara, and Caruso essentially fills his spot this season.

Bottom line: This is Chrona’s net, but Kaczperski was a huge addition and offers an excellent hedge against injury.

Senior Griffin Mendel will lead Denver’s defense. Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

Defense

Who’s back: Slava Demin, Lane Krenzen, Justin Lee, Kyle Mayhew, Griffin Mendel

Who’s gone: Michael Davies, Erich Fear, Ian Mitchell (NHL)

Who’s new: Mike Benning, Bo Hanson, Reid Irwin, Antti Tuomisto,

Analysis: None of the departures were surprises – Davies and Fear graduated, and Mitchell was in the Chicago Blackhawks’ sights for two seasons. But Mitchell and Davies played huge minutes and in every situation. They won’t be easy to replace. … The newcomers include two NHL draft picks (Benning and Tuomisto) and a fair amount of size (three of the four are 6-1 or taller). Hanson is a grad transfer from St. Lawrence while the other three are freshmen. Benning piled up points in junior and Tuomisto was selected the top player in his Finnish junior league. Tuomisto could be a top-pair D right off the bat while Benning likely will be spotted on the power play and in offensive situations to begin with. … The returnees bring excellent defensive acumen, particularly Demin and Mendel, while Lee and Krenzen are expected to build on their freshmen seasons. Mayhew’s elite skating helped him overcome being just 5-8, and he was one of the Pioneers’ most improved players last season.

Bottom line: This is a deep group, and it would not be surprising to see all nine play in the pod. It also would not be surprising to see all four newcomers in the lineup at times. Tuomisto and Benning will need to contribute offense.

Denver center Cole Guttman scored 14 goals as a sophomore. Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

Forward

Who’s back: Ryan Barrow, Bobby Brink, Hank Crone, Jack Doremus, Jake Durflinger, Brett Edwards, Cole Guttman, Jaakko Heikkinen, Kohen Olischefski, Brett Stapley

Who’s gone: Liam Finlay, Tyson McLellan, Emilio Pettersen (NHL), Tyler Ward (transfer)

Who’s new: Connor Caponi, Steven Jandric, Carter Savoie, McKade Webster

Analysis: A lot of points headed out the door for various reasons, but the reinforcements and a deep, veteran group of returnees (including five seniors) should ensure the production stays close to the 3.3 goals per game Denver notched last season. Barrow, Crone, Guttman and Stapley all appear poised to take their games to another level, according to DU’s coaches. … Brink was nearly a point-per-game player as a freshman, and Guttman (28 points) and Stapley (30) are the top returning scorers and will anchor the top two lines. … Jandric, a grad transfer,  will remind you of a bulkier Colin Staub – a monster on the boards and in front of the net. Savoie has an elite shot and scored nearly 100 goals in two seasons of junior. Caponi and Webster have provided energy and likely played themselves into roles with a strong fall. … This group has five NHL draft picks in it, so you know skill won’t be an issue.

Bottom line: This is the deepest group on the team, and with eight upperclassmen it will lead the way.

Overall outlook: Barring an onslaught of injuries Denver has a real chance to return to the Frozen Four. An NCAA berth is all but a foregone conclusion.

©First Line Editorial 2020