Eden Prairie, Minnesota native Mason Moe verbally committed to the Gophers last October, and the program formally confirmed his signing on Tuesday. After spending two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL), the question now is whether he’s prepared to step up to Big Ten competition in the 2025-26 season.
Minnesota’s official announcement of Mason Moe’s signing doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be suiting up for the Gophers this fall. Moe is coming off a standout 2024-25 campaign with the Madison Capitols, recording 43 points—27 assists and 16 goals—in 51 games. Still just 18, he won’t turn 19 until late March 2026, placing him among the younger players at the NCAA level if he joins the team next season.
Moe remains eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft and could opt to spend another year in the USHL. His signing gives Minnesota the flexibility to bring him in for the 2025-26 season, a decision that will ultimately rest with head coach Bob Motzko and his staff as they shape the roster.
At forward, the Gophers are expected to return a solid core, including Brody Lamb, Erik Pahlsson, Brodie Ziemer, Jimmy Clark, John Mittelstadt, Beckett Hendrickson, and August Falloon. They also added Tanner Ludtke via the transfer portal, giving them eight seasoned forwards.
Additionally, Minnesota recently flipped Tate Pritchard from Mankato and anticipates L.J. Mooney, Teddy Townsend, and Javon Moore making the jump from the USHL. That potentially leaves Moe and Jacob Kvasnicka—who won’t turn 18 until August—as contenders for a 13th forward spot.
With the Gophers carrying 14 forwards last season, and barring any major additions from the transfer portal or Canadian Hockey League, Moe appears to be a strong candidate to join the roster for 2025-26.
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