Andrew Copp Signs With Winnipeg
[Paul Sherman]
Oh, Michigan Hockey Summer, can't you let us get to actual summer first? No? You're a jerk, MHS. Junior captain Andrew Copp is out the door:
Andrew Copp has long called Ann Arbor home, but he's on the move.
The University of Michigan junior announced Thursday he will forgo his senior ice hockey season to purse a career with the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL. Copp signed a three-year, two-way, entry-level contract with the the team that drafted him 104th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
That is (or at least would have been had Mike Spath not been on top of the story) a shocking departure.
It's hard to not see it as a ringing condemnation of the team's prospects next year. Copp was on path to be a two-year captain, was only a fifth round pick, and could have taken the Hyman route. Hyman will either sign with the Panthers for max rookie money or wait 30 days and do so with another NHL team that he thinks he can play for immediately. Instead Copp is locked in with Winnipeg despite having dim prospects to actually be in the NHL next year. And he leaves without having ever played in the NCAA tournament.
That is grim. Michigan can replace Copp's production adequately since they have a ton of forward depth, but the implication of his departure underscores the things that have gone wrong with the program these three years.
Spath also projects that Dylan Larkin is on the fence, BTW. If he goes after a single year enthusiasm for next hockey season will be at lows last seen before Berenson's arrival.
March 26th, 2015 at 11:22 AM ^
Copp out.
March 26th, 2015 at 11:49 AM ^
They will be able to replace Copp offensively, in some places. He was a really good secondary scorer and always seemed to come up in big games, that's a tough spot to fill but it can be done.
The problem is they don't have a center on the roster or incoming who can take the role of a #1 defensive center or as a penalty killer. Their guys are either skill centers or they're too small.
It's an understated responsibility, but very noticeable when it's not there. Remember what it was like having Treais as the #1 center?
March 26th, 2015 at 11:37 AM ^
So Copp now becomes the first 3+ year player for Michigan to not play in an NCAA tournament since the late 80's. Surely the last captain to never see a tournament must've been 25+ years ago.
This is certainly a blow to the small amount of optimism I had for next year. I was envisioning an offense staying steady and with maybe some improvement in defense and goaltending we could be right back again, but your captain jumping ship is an awfully bad sign. That one hurts
March 26th, 2015 at 11:50 AM ^
I hope this move makes him happier than that photo.
March 26th, 2015 at 11:54 AM ^
"It's hard to not see it as a ringing condemnation of the team's prospects next year."
I disagree. I think it's impossible to not see it a ringing condemnation of the team's prospects next year. Sadly, the person who needs to see that way probably won't. He's not alone in missing what seems obvious to others though:
“He died right after he retired, and seeing that made me feel more conscious of a man needing a motive to live. If I ever got out of coaching, I would have to get a job somewhere, or I'm afraid I'd wilt on the vine, too.”
― Coach Bobby Bowden
"If I've got to have a contract to keep my job here, I'm in the wrong place."
March 26th, 2015 at 12:00 PM ^
He was a joy to watch and like always it's sad to see another one go. Sad to think he worked his ass off for three years and didn't even sniff the Tourny. I think it's the right decision for him though. I don't think playing four years at the NCAA level is the best option for the top level talents like Copp. If you think about it the path of most high level hockey players consist of them taking a jump up to the next level after a year or two at every level. Playing in the AHL is a great accomplishment and will surely be more of a challenge for him. Hopefully we'll see him in Winnepeg soon. They're a team I'd like to root for.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:07 PM ^
Copp is heading directly to the NHL club.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:16 PM ^
Well I guess when you assume... That's great! Hopefully he can make an impact and help them make the playoffs. With Little and Byuglien out they're in trouble.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:15 PM ^
He would be perfectly well served, from a development standpoint, to stay in school for four years. That sort of track worked for Jed Ortmeyer (who Copp reminded many fans of) and Carl Hagelin and David Moss (who is still in the League!) and Zach Hyman.
That he is not staying means things under the surface are not good.
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March 26th, 2015 at 12:34 PM ^
I agree with what you and Bryan are saying in regards to the state of the program. Also top level prospect was probably a little strong, but I think he's outperformed his draft position. Each of those players you listed had to make their own decision based on their own circumstances and future development. With the Jets desperate to make the playoffs and needing some help I think he has a great opportunity in front of him. If I were in his skates I think it would be hard to pass up.
Given the fact Winnipeg just rose from the dead, I'm not sure they're in a position to pay for "top level talent." Not saying Copp's not a great player but agree that top level is a bit much.
I am not sure that losing a close B1G championship game is not "sniffing" the tourney. I always thought that phrase meant not even close which is not the case for this year's team. They were sniffing it right until a weak penalty call and the PP goal by the Gophers.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:01 PM ^
I'm guessing we should expect JT Compher to be named the next captain...
March 26th, 2015 at 12:11 PM ^
That, or serious personal issues or serious academic problems, is the "best case" scenario.
But I think it's unlikely. It was hard to find a guy that was more of a "Michigan Man" type than Copp. Even in the dark times two years ago he was a bright spot on a sullen team. His veiled critiques of low-effort guys last year contrasted with what were effectively full throated endorsements of his coach. He is an Ann Arbor native living the dream.
And he wanted out.
Larkin, who just weeks ago spoke of being in no hurry to go pro, is on the fence. With this news I would (uneducatedly) guess he's 80-90% gone.
I hate to say this, but this looks like a sinking ship. When I saw Copp's tweet, the door closed. Michigan will need to fully rebuild under a new coach before it wins another national title.
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March 26th, 2015 at 12:20 PM ^
I don't think we need a full rebuild. There's a lot of talent still committed consisting of guys probably fully aware of the fact that Red will not be there. Based on track record, I'd think Pearson should be able to come back in and have the team back to where they should be in 2-3 years. I'd think it's more of mediocre time than full rebuild. We're still just loaded with talent.
It's been a rough few days for Michigan Hockey. I was optimistic even in the aftermath of the B1G Title Game loss, but the announcements of Red returning, Copp leaving, and Larkin possinly being on the wrong side of the fence makes it look like next year's going to be a wasted season already.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:24 PM ^
If there was a position they could afford to lose players, it's center.
It's the position where they have so many players a guy like Boo Nieves was about to get pushed down the linechart again to make room for a future Top-15 pick.
They'll be fine.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:16 PM ^
Or maybe it's rain...
March 26th, 2015 at 12:17 PM ^
He was a 4th-round pick in 2013, and as has been mentioned, is reporting directly to the Jets to play with the NHL club in the thick of a playoff race in a hockey-mad city. He's also on a three-year, two-way deal that pays him almost $1m/year at the NHL level.
It certianly could be a condemation of Michigan's prospects for next year. It could also be a player realizing he has a chance to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in three weeks and not wanting to wait to see if the same opportunity materializes next year.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:21 PM ^
agree, I wouldn't jump to conclussion that this is a sign or reflection of the Michigan program for next year, but an opportunity where he is going to get a chance to play with an NHL team in the playoffs (probably) this year. That's some pretty good experience.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:18 PM ^
Copp is a big loss. He brings everything to the table. Leadership, scoring, responsible in every zone, and plays with a grit and edge every team needs and wants.
March 26th, 2015 at 12:21 PM ^
March 26th, 2015 at 12:28 PM ^
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March 26th, 2015 at 12:46 PM ^
His first one was firing Hoke and finding a great replacement. He beat the odds and knocked that out of the park with the Harbaugh hire.
He now has to confront how to gracefully, yet firmly, guide Red out. Next year needs to be the last. This is a Bobby Bowden-situation. That wasn't handled perfectly by FSU, but they got it done. With Jimbo Fisher in place, instead of an all-time great past his prime, it is not a coincidence that FSU is now back to being an elite school.
If UM waits for Red to end it, on his own, that could 2-3 more years of desultory performances. UM owes Red a lot, but they don't owe him a job for life.
It's time.
Michigan is going to have a hard time getting close to another Frozen Four, let alone a NC.
I bet most of Lake Superior State's players stay for all 4 years. How many frozen fours have they been to lately? Hmmmmm was it 8 or 9 in the last decade. I forget....
I take it you think that the NC teams in 95-96 and 97-98 were all freshmen and sophomores then?
The 97-98 team only had 4 seniors (but 11 freshmen) and the national title was won by a true freshman. The 97-98 team was expected to be gutted by the losses from the talent that exited after the once-in-a-generation 96-97 team but they rallied and won it all.
Michigan has barely had any painful or unexpected attrition in the last 5 years and we've missed 3 straight tournaments. If anyting this suggests we were better off in the days of guys often leaving early.
"I told Andrew, 'You're going to make it in the NHL. You're going to have a long career; there's no doubt in my mind. But you don't have to go now. You can do it your way. You can do it the right way. You can do it for the benefit of the team. You're a captain.' You're asking me where I'm coming from? That's where I'm coming from. And he would get the same money from them next year that he is going to get this year.
"Am I disappointed? Yes. Do I wish him luck? Yes. And I wouldn't be surprised if he played in a game (this season) and he wouldn't be out of place."
"I'm disappointed in Andrew Copp that he's leaving," said Berenson, who is returning for his 32nd season as coach. "He's developed into a pro prospect. He was a fourth-line player when he got here and he developed; good for him. He worked hard every day. He became better and better, and was a significant player on our team. He became a captain and accomplished a lot.
"But I was hoping and he was hoping that he would elevate this team and get us back in the (NCAA) Tournament, and be one of the forces behind us. We lost to a senior-laden team in Minnesota, and why aren't we a senior-laden team? Well, there's a good example. I told him that he's as NHL-ready as anyone on our team. He's right there with (senior) Zach Hyman (a Florida Panthers draft pick). But I just think there's unfinished business here. I could've left when I was at Michigan, and they told me I was crazy to stay. They gave me all these false hopes and told me the things I wanted to hear. But I was confident enough to do it my way. I wasn't going to let the guys I played with or my coach down -- or let my school down. I was going to graduate from Michigan, and it was as simple as that."
Well Fuck!
Best of luck to him, but man this is disappointing.
I hate the feeling that the Hockey team is getting "Bowden'd". Red is a legend and deserves to go out on his own terms, but this is getting ominous................
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March 26th, 2015 at 11:00 PM ^
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