With the recent commitment of defenseman Abe Barnett, the University of Michigan has solidified its position atop our 2008-born recruiting rankings. Barnett joins an already loaded class that now features three five-star and three four-star recruits.
The commitment has widened the gap between the Wolverines and second-ranked Boston College, establishing Michigan as the clear frontrunner in the 2008 birth year. Here's a closer look at the Wolverines’ top-ranked class, which could be one of the most memorable groups in recent years.
Abe Barnett, D
The younger brother of Asher Barnett, Abe Barnett is a smooth-skating, 6-foot-1 left-shot defenseman with a long reach and excellent mobility, bringing a calm yet confident presence to the blue line. Steady in his own zone and impactful in transition, the Wilmette, Illinois native profiles as a two-way threat in the making. He’s quick to activate into the rush, using his strong skating and sharp on-ice vision to push play up the ice. He also shows excellent maturity in his defensive positioning and awareness.
What separates Barnett from the pack is his feel for the game with the puck on his stick. He’s vocal and engaged, often tapping his stick to demand the puck when he finds soft areas on the ice. Most of his shots this past season came from above the circles, where he looks to generate offense through screens and deflections rather than relying on sheer power.
Though he tallied just two goals and eight points on 32 shots over 57 games with the NTDP U17 squad, there’s untapped offensive upside. More shot volume, especially from higher-danger areas, could unlock the next phase of his game. With his blend of skating, hockey sense, and puck poise, Barnett has the foundational tools to develop into a highly effective two-way defenseman. As his offensive assertiveness grows, so too will his impact at the next level.
Adam Valentini, F
Adam Valentini made a seamless transition to the USHL in his rookie season, delivering an impressive 39-point campaign (17–22–39) as a high-profile tender signing for the Chicago Steel. At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, the five-star forward plays a mature, composed game for his age, showing the kind of poise and polish that bodes well for his future.
Offensively, the Toronto native reads the ice exceptionally well, slipping into soft areas undetected and consistently finding space to make himself a dangerous scoring option. With a quick release, his hands and vision make him a constant threat around the net. Valentini thrives in transition, often acting as the trailing forward who arrives late into high-danger scoring areas, timing his routes perfectly and catching defenders flat-footed.
Valentini possesses a quick, accurate shot and doesn’t need much time or space to release it. Add in excellent positioning, both with and without the puck, and you've got a forward who can impact the game in a variety of ways. Valentini looks poised for a huge year with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers in his 2025–26 draft-eligible season.
Zachary Nyman, D
Don’t let the 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame fool you. Zach Nyman played a big game on the back end for the Penticton Vees this past season. A left-shot defenseman known for his elite mobility, the five-star prospect was a vital piece of the Vees’ blue line, especially in transition and puck movement.
In 38 games, Nyman racked up 13 assists, a testament to his vision and ability to move the puck cleanly and effectively. He’s a reliable breakout artist, consistently hitting his targets in stride and setting up his forwards with speed through the neutral zone. His skating is a standout trait, smooth, agile, and deceptive. He uses it well to change angles, escape pressure, and create lanes, both at even strength and on the power play.
While he didn’t find the back of the net, it wasn’t from a lack of opportunity. Nyman fired 66 shots on goal, many from above the tops of the circles, and showed a willingness to activate off the point, skate below the dots, and jump into the play when the moment’s right. The offensive upside is there. Now, it’s just a matter of time before it starts showing up on the scoresheet.
Defensively, Nyman plays with grit and intelligence. He doesn’t shy away from contact or get pushed around despite his size. He’s quick to close gaps, uses well-timed poke checks to disrupt plays, and consistently keeps attackers to the outside with smart angles and competitive effort. He’s not afraid to sacrifice the body either, whether it’s blocking shots or tying up a man on the rush.
J.P. Hurlbert, F
A standout for the NTDP U17 squad during the 2024–25 season, J.P. Hurlbert blends elite offensive instincts with a relentless motor. He posted 19 goals and 37 points, firing 91 shots on goal and consistently generating high-quality scoring chances. The five-star prospect isn’t just productive, he’s a human highlight reel and one of my favorite recruits in the ‘08 class. Hurlbert fittingly pulled off a “Michigan” goal, showcasing the creativity and confidence that sets him apart.
In tight spaces, his quick, accurate snapshot is a lethal tool. He doesn't need much time or room to get it off, making him a constant threat around the net. His soft hands, paired with elite anticipation, allow him to read and react faster than most, especially in transition, where he is often one step ahead of the defender.
Highly competitive in puck battles, particularly in the offensive zone, Hurlbert excels at creating second-chance opportunities and pressuring defenders into mistakes. Whether he’s hunting down loose pucks or finishing plays with precision, Hurlbert plays with pace, skill, and a pure scorer’s mindset.
Alexander Hage, F
Following in the footsteps of his older brother Michael, former Steel star and current Michigan standout, Alexander Hage is carving his own path with grit, smarts, and a fierce compete level. At just 5-foot-8, Hage doesn’t shy away from the hard areas of the ice. The four-star prospect is a hard-working center who sticks his nose into puck battles and never backs down.
After a slow start to his rookie USHL season, Hage began to find his footing down the stretch, finishing with six goals and 11 points in 37 games. His game thrives in transition, where he reads the play quickly, finds soft spots in coverage, and positions himself well to receive seam passes.
Hage wasn’t listed on Chicago’s Tryout/Development Camp roster, indicating a likely move to the OHL for his draft-eligible season. As with many smaller players, sustained production will be key to defining his ceiling, especially as he continues to rise through higher levels of hockey.
Noah Kosick, F
On paper, Noah Kosick is a four-star prospect who appeared poised to produce more offensively. A strong skater with advanced puck skills and a confident presence on the ice, Kosick created quality chances, but the results didn’t follow. In 34 games with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen during the 2024–25 season, he recorded just one goal and three points on 35 shots, despite generating looks from high-danger areas.
Now, after a trade to the Swift Current Broncos, Kosick gets a fresh start. He’s a player who shows poise along the half wall, often selling a pass to the point before cutting inside and attacking the net himself. He’s deceptive and creative, especially in transition, where he positions himself well to jump into scoring lanes and exploit coverage breakdowns. Most of his shot attempts came from below the tops of the circles, with a notable percentage from the slot, which could be a promising indicator for future production as the shot volume increases.
At 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds, Kosick may not overpower opponents, but his tools are evident. The challenge now is translating those flashes into consistent offense. If he can find his finishing touch and add some much-needed strength with the Swift Current, he could quickly become one of the WHL’s more intriguing breakout candidates.