The upside of talented college hockey rosters is the capability of winning big. Denver proved that (again) with its second NCAA Tournament championship in three seasons, third in eighth and record 10th overall.

The downside is talented players leave for the next level every year, something the Pioneers are well aware of. Here is an analysis of DU’s pro signings for spring 2024. (This list will be updated often over the next month)

Matikka Inks 3-Year Deal with Utah Hockey Club

Forward Miko Matikka, who scored 20 goals as a freshman, was one and done, signing a three-year entry level deal with Utah Hockey Club.

Matikaa’s goal total was the fourth-highest among NCAA freshmen, and he was one of only two Pioneers (the returning Jack Devine the other) to hit the 20-goal plateau. Overall, he had 33 points on 112 shots (second on DU).

What it means: Offense rarely is a problem for the Pioneers. Still, Matikka is a one-shot scorer (think Carter Savoie, Jarid Lukosevicius), and those are not easy to find. One wonders if he could have hit or come close to 30 goals had he stuck around; his shot is that good.

Broz Signs 3-Year Deal with Penguins

Junior forward Tristan Broz, who scored overtime goals twice in four NCAA Tournament games to help Denver win regional and Frozen Four semifinals, signed a three-year entry level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 20. The Penguins drafted Broz in the second round in 2021.

The two-way contract could be worth as much as $2.775 million over its duration, per CapFriendly. Broz, who had a breakout season for the Pioneers, signed an amateur tryout deal to play for Pittsburgh’s American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for as long as the team remains in the AHL playoffs.

Broz, 21, transferred to DU in 2022 after spending his freshman season at Minnesota. He increased his point total from 11 to 28 during his first season in Denver before erupting for 48 points and 16 goals this season. Broz showed tremendous versatility by shifting to center on the top line while Massimo Rizzo missed 14 games due to injury. Broz’s skating and playmaking always were strengths, but his overall strength and shot improved at Denver.

What it means: His departure means two of the Pioneers’ top-line forwards have signed pro contracts. Broz scaled well up and down the Pioneers’ lineup during his tenure at DU, and he demonstrated more versatility and consistency this past season. But his clutch scoring will be what people remember him for, and for good reason.

Behrens Signs 3-Year Deal with Avalanche

Junior defenseman Sean Behrens, who was selected the NCHC’s Defensive Defenseman of the Year, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche on April 19. The Avs drafted Behrens in the second round in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Per CapFriendly, the two-way contract could be worth as much as $2,775 million over its duration.

Behrens, who had a career-high 31 points during the 2023-24 season, helped the Pioneers win two of the past three NCAA championships. He was able to transition seamlessly to college hockey, playing top-pair minutes immediately. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder was a workhorse for DU this past season, playing in all situations.

He also signed an amateur tryout contract with the Colorado Eagles and will be with the team for the American Hockey League playoffs.

What it means: The departures of Behrens and Shai Buium leave a massive void on the Pioneers’ blue line. One or the other was on the ice at least 80 percent of the time this season, and both were outstanding defenders who could carry the puck or make alert passes to initiate the Pioneers’ lethal transition game. Rising sophomores Zeev Buium and Boston Buckberger will carry heavier workloads, as will rising junior  Kent Anderson.  Fellow junior Lucas Olvestad transferred to UMass. Incoming transfer Eric Pohlkamp figures to play a top-four role.

Rizzo Signs 2-Year Deal with Flyers

Junior center Massimo Rizzo, who was tied for 44th in Pioneers history in career points with 126 in three seasons, signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on April 17. The Flyers’ season ended with Tuesday’s loss vs. the Washington Capitals, meaning the earliest Rizzo could make his NHL debut is next fall.

Rizzo, a 5-11, 180-pounder, was DU’s top-line center for the past two seasons and spearheaded offenses that were among Division I’s leaders. Rizzo, who turns 23 in June, had 44 points (10 goals) despite missing 14 games due to a lower-body injury. His 1.57 points per game was fifth-best in D-I.

Rizzo’s game-in, game-out production was key for Denver, which reached the NCAAs in all three of his seasons. His 1.178 points per game topped Denver’s 100-point club members since 1990. He was an alternate captain this past season, an All-NCHC selection the past two seasons and an All-Rookie NCHC pick in 2021-22.

Rizzo, who returned from injury for last week’s Frozen Four, could sign an amateur tryout contract with the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, who are in a chase for a playoff spot, for the rest of this season. His two-way NHL deal is worth a maximum of $1.85 million over its duration, per CapFriendly.

What it means: This move was expected. Rizzo was highly productive in 5-on-5 and power-play situations. After putting up 36 points as a freshman, he totaled 90 over the past two seasons combined. His combination of excellent skating and puck skills should find him an offensive role in somewhere Philadelphia’s organization. … The Flyers obtained his rights from the Carolina Hurricanes, who drafted Rizzo in the seventh round in 2019. … Expect rising junior Aidan Thompson to take over DU’s top-line center duties in 2024-25. … He will join former DU teammate Bobby Brink, who has played in the NHL and AHL this season.

Shai Buium Signs 3-Year Pact with Red Wings

Junior defenseman Shai Buium, who scored a career-high 36 points this past season for Denver hockey, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings on April 17. Buium will play for Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, on an amateur tryout this season before his two-way NHL deal kicks in next season. As with Behrens and Broz, Buium’s deal carries a max value of $2.775 million over its duration.

Buium, a high second-round pick of the Red Wings in 2021, transformed his game during his three seasons at DU. The 6-4, 210-pounder landed in more of a defensive role during his first two seasons, though he had 39 points in that span. He had to carry a larger role for the Pioneers this season after they lost half of their defenseman and he delivered. Buium became an every-situation performer and appeared energized by the presence of his younger brother Zeev on DU’s roster.

Shai Buium, 21, was an NCHC All-Rookie selection in 2022 and a second-team all-league pick this past season.

What it means: Buium was a massive presence on the DU blue line this season and answered the call to help take over the group. His size, skating and all-around game should translate very well at the next levels. … The Pioneers relied heavily on their top four defensemen, so this signing — while not unexpected — is a huge hit for the blue line. Fellow junior Sean Behrens later signed with the Colorado Avalanche, meaning DU will need its younger defenders to take a big step. Transfer Eric Pohlkamp was brought in to help with the projected void. … Buium will join former DU teammates Carter Mazur and Antti Tuomisto, as well as Pioneers alum Josiah Didier, in Grand Rapids.

©First Line Editorial 2024