A pair of sophomore forwards for Michigan Hockey entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, bringing the Wolverines’ total up to three:
On Wednesday, junior forward Jackson Hallum announced he had signed his ELC with the Las Vegas Golden Knights. A somewhat surprising signing, but the Michigan Wolverines return enough depth to mitigate the departure.
However, that depth took a hit a few hours later when sophomore forwards William Whitelaw (11G, 7A in 2024-25) and Tanner Rowe (0G, 0A) both entered the transfer portal.
Michigan’s Will Whitelaw enters transfer portal
Columbus third round previously played at Wisconsin
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) April 2, 2025
Rowe never really found his footing during his two years in Ann Arbor. The Michigan native appeared in 44 career games and finished with 10 times as many penalties (10) as points (one). But the loss of Whitelaw will be felt even if he struggled to reach his potential during his one season with the Wolverines.
Originally a transfer from Wisconsin, Whitelaw joined Michigan after an 18-point freshman campaign with the Badgers. Looking to take the next step in his development, the former third-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets hit the ground running under head coach Brandon Naurato.
In his first career game with the Wolverines, Whitelaw found the back of the next against Minnesota State. An auspicious start that unfortunately was the start of a hot and cold season for Whitelaw.
Over the next eight games, he only registered two points. Following that elongated slump, Whitelaw exploded for five points in his next three games. However, that wave came crashing down when he only managed two points over the next 11 games.
To finish the year, Whitelaw strung together a symmetrical pattern that would make Wes Anderson blush — four straight games with one point, four straight games with no points, and (of course) four straight games with one point to match his freshman season output.
Despite his inconsistencies, Whitelaw’s absence will be especially felt on the power play where he was always a threat to swing a game. Naurato has his work cut out for him this offseason now with the transfers of Whitelaw, Rowe and Will Felicio , the professional signings of Hallum, Mark Estapa and Ethan Edwards, and the graduations of Logan Stein, Jacob Truscott, Philippe Lapointe and Andrew Albano.
However, with the NCAA’s decision to allow Major Junior players to now play college hockey, Naurato has the space to upgrade his departing talent at every position. Now, join me in a Gavin McKenna prayer circle.