Defenseman Bode Laylin commits to Gophers following father's hiring

Bode Laylin, a defenseman selected in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames, announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota on Thursday. The move follows the recent addition of his father, Cory Laylin, to the Gophers coaching staff under head coach Brett Larson. Laylin previously committed to St. Thomas, where his father served as an assistant coach from 2022 to 2026. The 6-foot defenseman recorded 38 points in 55 games for the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League last season. He is scheduled to play the 2026-27 season with the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League before joining the Gophers program for the 2027-28 campaign.

• 10:15 PMYahoo Sports — NHL draft pick flips from St. Thomas to Minnesota after father joins Gophers staff