Minnesota is back on the recruiting trail, but this time they land a 2027 commit. A son of a former Golden Gopher and current staff member. How will the pick-up help Minnesota compete for a national title?
Bode Laylin’s path to college hockey will now take him back to familiar territory.
The Calgary Flames prospect announced Thursday that he has committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2027-28 season, giving the St. Michael, Minnesota, native an opportunity to play for one of the most recognizable programs in college hockey, and he’s back home.
Laylin’s father, Cory, played for the Golden Gophers from 1988 to 1992 and is returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach. Cory recorded 107 points in 170 games during his Minnesota career and has spent time post-playing career coaching at different levels.
For Bode, This the the next step in his development en route to battling for an NHL spot down the road, but for now, he can start to put in the work to help Minnesota get back to the pinnacle of college hockey.
The 18-year-old was selected by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round, 164th overall, at the 2026 NHL Draft after an impressive season with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. Laylin posted 11 goals and 38 points in 55 games, leading all Tri-City defencemen in scoring and earning USHL Third-Team All-Star honours. He also helped Team USA win gold at the World Junior-A Championships, so no matter where he’s playing, you can bet he will produce.
His game is built around intelligence, skating, and puck movement. Calgary's scouting department described him as a cerebral, heady puck-moving defenceman, while Laylin has described himself as a 200-foot player.
Before arriving on campus, Laylin will spend the 2026-27 season with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. That season should give him another opportunity to adjust to a new level of competition before beginning his NCAA career, and with multiple players like Landon DuPont leaving the Silvertips, there’s a lot of ice time for him to earn.
