Golden Gophers Lose Two More

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As first reported here, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are about to lose two players. The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to sign defenceman Nick Leddy and forward Josh Birkholz has left the program and is likely headed to the WHL's Everett Silvertips.


Leddy was a 1st round pick by the Minnesota Wild in 2008 but was dealt to Chicago last season in the Cam Barker trade. The blueliner had 11 points in 30 games with the Gophers.

Birkholz, who we saw in action during the 2008 World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, had just 6 points in 36 outings. Florida chose the former Fargo Force forward in the 3rd round in 2009.

This, added to the loss of Jordan Schroeder to the Vancouver Canucks, would be a much bigger issue if it were for most other NCAA programs. Fortunately for the Gophers they have a line up of players wanting to play for them.

Still, considering the way some players have left over recent years (Kyle Okposo), are these signs of bigger problems at Minnesota?