Matt Copponi is off to Boston University via the transfer portal, to join one of college hockey's more prestigious programs. The news was confirmed by the New England Hockey Journal's Mark Divver.
Copponi enjoyed an excellent season with Merrimack College, scoring 32 points (seven goals and 25 assists) in 30 games. This represented his best output in three seasons at Merrimack, after previously producing nine points and 29 points respectively.
The 20-year-old started off his hockey playing career in 2017-18 at Mansfield High, before going on to NV River Rats AAA with the under-15s and then under-16s. He also played for Dexter Southfield School, where he was their captain during his second season.
Copponi was selected in the seventh round of last year's NHL draft, with the 216th overall pick. Unheralded at the time, he is developing into a decent prospect.
In fact as per Oil on Whyte's Mark MacCrimmon's, the centre could turn out to be an excellent parting gift from Ken Holland as likely his final draft pick as Oilers general manager. This is even more impressive, given that the youngster was one of many college hockey players impacted by COVID-19.
In fairness, Copponi received some promising pre-draft reviews. For example, via David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, Dave Gregory of the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau wrote: "Responsible player that is very unselfish. Versatile. Has good motor. Finishes hits. Strong skater."
Just hearing from the Mansfield, Massachusetts native himself, only gives you more hope in his chances of making it all the way to the NHL. As per Liam Horrobin of Oilers Nation, he said: "I am hard-working, and I’ll do anything to win. Finding ways to win is my main thing, and doing things maybe not everyone likes. ... I absolutely love the game of hockey. I love playing and putting my skates on."