UM recruit Larson to take year off

About a month ago, it was reported that Minnesota recruit Nick Larson was planning on redshirting this year, as opposed to playing in the USHL after graduating from Hill-Murray High School last year. However, rumors started circulating last week that Larson would take the year off from hockey entirely and not be a part of the Gopher program in any way (i.e. practicing with the team). The Pioneer Press' Bruce Brothers confirmed this in a report in Saturday's paper. From the story:

"As of right now, at least at this time, he's not going to play hockey this year," Gophers coach Don Lucia said Friday, adding that Larson has enrolled at Minnesota but has not been participating in early team workouts.

UM recruit Larson to red shirt this season

As the Gopher Hockey Blog first reported, it appears as though Minnesota recruit Nick Larson will red shirt this season for the Golden Gophers. He was slated to play with Omaha in the USHL after wrapping up his senior year at Hill-Murray last season. However, he is now listed on the official roster on the U of M's athletic website.

Larson was a seventh round pick by the Washington Capitals in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

WCHA Blog's Take: As the Gopher Hockey Blog points out, this is kind of an odd move, since red shirts are rarely used in college hockey and it appears as though Larson will lose out on lots of game action by red shirting as opposed to playing a full season in the USHL. Regardless, I'd suspect there is a legit reason behind this choice and hopefully it turns out for the best for all involved.