The Wisconsin Badgers have kicked off their offseason with a key addition, landing Penn State transfer forward JJ Wiebusch. However, with six players departing for professional careers, Head Coach Mike Hastings's work in the transfer portal is far from over.

While the graduations of seniors Ben Dexheimer and Aiden Dubinsky were anticipated, the Badgers also saw four underclassmen sign NHL entry-level deals, creating significant holes in the lineup. The mission in Madison is clear: reload the roster to make another run at the National Championship.

Wiebusch is just the first piece of the puzzle. The Badgers are reportedly heavily involved with two other high-profile targets: Cornell goaltender Alexis Cournoyer and Maine forward Justin Poirier. Securing this trio would position Wisconsin as a formidable contender for the 2026-27 season.

Adding Cournoyer would be a strategic move to bolster the goaltending depth. While freshman standout Daniel Hauser is the presumed starter, a reliable backup is crucial for a long season. Cournoyer posted an impressive 2.05 goals-against average in his freshman year at Cornell, a figure that compares favorably to Hauser's 2.49. His arrival would likely signal a roster move in the crease but would give Hastings a strong one-two punch in net.

The pursuit of Justin Poirier is particularly intriguing. The Canadian forward, a Carolina Hurricanes draft pick, notched 29 points (18 goals, 11 assists) in his freshman season at Maine. Although he is recovering from hip surgery, his proven scoring touch and NHL pedigree make him a prime target to help replace the offensive production lost to the pros.

For Badgers fans, this transfer portal period is critical. The early signing of Wiebusch is a positive step, but the real test will be closing on players like Cournoyer and Poirier. Their commitments would not only fill immediate needs but also send a message that Wisconsin remains a premier destination for top talent looking to develop and compete for championships.