Michigan’s offseason didn’t just add talent, it added elite skill on both forward and defense. The Wolverines landed arguably one of the biggest recruit in college hockey history in Landon DuPont, brought in several impact freshmen, and return a strong core from last season. On paper, head coach Brandon Naurato easily has the deepest roster of his tenure at Michigan.

Of course, plenty can and probably will change before opening night, but here’s how I see Michigan lining up heading into the 2026-27 season.

First line: Will Horcoff — Michael Hage — Jayden Perron

If you’re trying to build a line capable of matching up against anyone in college hockey, this is probably it.

Michael Hage is the centerpiece for the entire team, after emerging as one of the nation’s premier young forwards. His vision and puck skills make him an ideal first-line center in today’s college hockey. Horcoff complements him perfectly. At 6-foot-5, he wins puck battles, creates space around the crease and does a lot of the dirty work that allows his skilled linemates to operate. He doesn’t need the puck on his stick every shift to make an impact.

Perron rounds out the trio as the playmaker. His hockey IQ and vision allow him to find soft spots in coverage, and he’s creative enough to capitalize when Hage or Horcoff draw defenders toward them.

Overall, this line is littered with legitimate All-American potential and could be the best line in the entire NCAA.

Second line: Malcolm Spence — Jack Nesbitt — JP Hurlbert

Calling this Michigan’s second line almost feels unfair. It’s 3 first round NHL picks.

Spence looked more comfortable as last season went along and has all the tools to take a big sophomore leap. He’s relentless on the forecheck, plays a mature two-way game and has more offensive upside than his freshman numbers showed. Hurlbert arrives after a monster WHL season that saw him score 42 goals and earn WHL Rookie of the Year honors. Pair him with the big-bodied Nesbitt down the middle, and Michigan suddenly has another line capable of matching up with anyone.

Third Line: Adam Valentini — Garrett Schifsky — Nick Moldenhauer

Michigan’s captain this season, Schifsky has been one of the Wolverines’ most reliable forwards over the last two seasons and should continue to anchor the middle of the ice. Moldenhauer has battled injuries during his career, but when healthy, he can produce and brings some offensive creativity. Valentini is the wildcard. The freshman plays with plenty of pace and should fit nicely alongside two veterans. This line has a little bit of everything.

If Michigan gets consistent secondary scoring from this line, it’ll make life awfully difficult on opposing defenses.

Fourth Line: Kieren Dervin — Cole McKinney — Aidan Park

This isn’t your typical fourth line. McKinney has the talent to play much higher in the lineup, but slotting him here gives Michigan four lines it can trust. Dervin and Park both bring energy, speed and a willingness to do the little things that win games. That should allow McKinney to use his skill while matching up against favorable competition. Dervin was a quiet addition to the team this offseason, but has NHL pedigree and could make a massive impact over the next few years.

Don’t be surprised if this group plays more minutes than most fourth lines around the country, keeping the rest of the forwards fresh and able to make the impact we expect from them.

Extra forward: Kason Muscutt – He was an ideal extra forward this year. He can take face-offs, he can hit and he can chip in offensively.

Projected scratches: Nick Sima, Justin Larose

First Defensive Pair: Ben Robertson — Landon DuPont

There’s no reason to overthink this one. Robertson is the steady veteran every young offensive defenseman wants to play with. He’ll handle plenty of the defensive-zone responsibilities and allow DuPont to do what he does best: push the pace, join the rush and create offense. The expectations for DuPont are enormous, but this pairing should give him every opportunity to succeed from Day 1.

Second Defensive Pair: Cameron Reid — Henry Mews

This pairing has a chance to be one of Michigan’s biggest strengths. Reid arrives as a first-round NHL draft pick and is expected to be one of the top freshman defensemen in the country. He’s an outstanding skater who can log big minutes in every situation, and his poise with the puck should translate immediately to the college game.

Mews looked great before getting hurt as a freshman last year and should be ready for even more responsibility this season. His offensive instincts and confidence with the puck make him a natural complement to Reid, giving Michigan another pairing that can move the puck quickly and contribute at both ends of the ice.

Don’t be surprised if these two are playing just as many minutes as the top pair.

Third Defensive Pair: Asher Barnett — Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen

There’s a nice mix of youth and experience here that could be the top pair for a ton of college hockey teams.

Barnett continues to develop into a dependable two-way defenseman, while Rhéaume-Mullen has played enough college hockey to provide stability on the back end. Neither player has to carry the pairing, and that’s exactly what makes this combination work so well in my opinion. Having this much experience on the third pair says a lot about Michigan’s depth.

Extra defenseman: Drew Schock

Projected scratches: Josh Orrico, Miles Gust

Starter in Net: Jack Ivankovic

Michigan doesn’t have many questions in net heading into the season. Now entering his sophomore season, expectations are even higher for Ivankovic. The Nashville Predators prospect has already proven he can handle a heavy workload, and with a deeper roster in front of him, he should once again give Michigan a chance to win every night. If the Wolverines are going to make another national title run, it will likely start with Ivankovic between the pipes. If he can stay healthy all year long, look out.

It’s honestly crazy he is back as Michigan’s backup after how well he played last year. Peck gave Michigan quality minutes when his number was called as a freshman, going 6-0-0 after Ivankovic got hurt. He is exactly what teams hope for from a backup, someone who can step in and keep the season on track.

Third String: Julian Molinaro