Wednesday, September 17, 2025

UPDATED Linkorama: Schedule analysis; Another Hutson?; Lachance shines at rookie camp; PTO for Grzelcyk

17 Days Until Puck Drop

                                 Photo credit Fia McCarty


 

The Boston Hockey Blog has analyzed the Terriers' 2025-26 schedule, calling out key games and series including hosting powerhouse Michigan State, followed by a home-and-home with UConn, Red Hot Hockey at MSG, a visit to Quinnipiac, a late-season pair against BC and, of course, defending the Beanpot title.  

● Boston Hockey Blog Men's Hockey Schedule Breakdown 

 

►While freshman Malte Vass’s commitment to BU was reported back in June, NeutralZone is just getting around to acknowledging it. Better late than never.

Malte Vass (D, L, 6’2, 185, Farjestad BK U20, 03/28/2007, Boston University)

Vass, a third-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, just committed to play at Boston University this upcoming season. Vass has won many medals with Sweden, including a silver at the U18s. 

Vass demonstrates a high hockey IQ. 

“Malte Vass is a strong, mobile, and physical defenseman who plays a defensively sound, old-school game while also contributing effectively to offensive transitions. With his size, skating mechanics, and elite defensive game processing, Vass is a reliable two-way presence who can play both sides of the blue line. While he brings significant value on the penalty kill and excels in defensive-zone coverage, continued improvements in his skating speed and offensive creativity will further solidify his NHL potential.” 

ProHockeyRumors.com also reports on Vass, a third-round pick by Columbus this past June, and his decision to become BU's third Swedish blueliner in the Jay Pandolfo era.

 

► College Puck NXT projects the top D1 freshmen--not including those from the CHL--with BU well-represented. CPN also rates the top D1 defensemen with Cole Hutson #1 and Sascha Boumedienne #9.  

Image 

 

►Last Saturday, we reported that BU's 19 draft picks on the roster were just shy of the program record of 20 in 1988-89 and 1990-91. Our friend BU Hockey Stats dug deeper:

Looking ahead


The QMJHL, which will hold a top prospects game on October 21, announced the first 12 invitees including 2026 recruits Yegor Shilov (photo) and Rian Chudzinski. Shilov, a 6’1” center with Victoriaville has 12 points (3G,9A) in five preseason games. Chudzinski, who starred for Dexter-Southfield School last season, is a 6’1” right wing who led Moncton with 2-3-5 in preseason games.             

►While he's not a BU recruit, at least not yet, Lars Hutson, a D like Lane and Cole, is rostered at USHL Muskegon along with 2026 recruits Tynan Lawrence and Viktor Norringer. Oldest brother Quinn Hutson spent two seasons with the Lumberjacks.

Looking back

 

►The Athletic’s report on the top performers in the just-completed NHL Rookie tournaments includes NJ’s Shane Lachance.

Shane Lachance, LW

The Devils’ roster was pretty light on talent, which made Lachance and Seamus Casey jump out. The 6-foot-5 Lachance, whose rights the Devils acquired from the Oilers in March, stood out in particular. The former BU and Youngstown captain wore an ‘A’ with his new team and looked like a future bottom-six NHLer. He showed puck protection, physicality and detail and looked good around the net. His skating, which has at times been a question, also looked comfortable. Lachance had two goals, one primary assist and a fight in two games. Both he and Casey sat out of the Devils’ Sunday finale and deservedly so. — Scott Wheeler

Wheeler also posted a lengthy standalone story on Lachance, focusing on both his development as a player and his well-established leadership qualities.

● The Athletic The rise of Shane Lachance, the Devils’ ‘unique and impactful’ new top prospect (subscription)

Matt Grzelcyk Would Add Veteran ... 

Former Terrier captain and two-time All-American Matt Grzelcyk, an unrestricted free agent following his 40-point season with Pittsburgh, has signed a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the Blackhawks and has joined their training camp. 

● TheHockeyNews.com Matt Grzelcyk would add Veteran Presence and Offensive Boost to Blackhawks' Blueline


Three Terriers head the Team USA coaching staff--Head coach Mike Sullivan and assistants John Hynes and David Quinn--which also includes John Tortorella. All four are New Englanders and three have coached the New York Rangers, whose president, Chris Drury is on the management advisory team along with Minnesota assistant GM Chris Kelleher. 

● USA Hockey Announces Staff for 2026 U.S. Olympic Team

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