Alex Bump officially enters NCAA transfer portal after Woodcroft firing

University of Vermont forward and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Alex Bump is entering the NCAA transfer portal after the dismissal of Todd Woodcroft.

Alex Bump, one of the Philadelphia Flyers’ best prospects, requested his release from the University of Vermont 13 days after head coach Todd Woodcroft was fired. Woodcroft was fired on July 18 following a University-led investigation that revealed inappropriate and unprofessional behavior involving a student at Vermont.

Alex Bump had spent parts of his last two seasons in the USHL, and was slated to be an incoming freshman at the University of Vermont. Former head coach Todd Woodcroft played a big hand in Bump’s recruitment, and with him out of the picture, Bump wants out too.

Reflecting on Woodcroft and his decision to go to Vermont, Alex Bump said:

"“It was just our connection, I think we had a good relationship. I think that’s what matters most for college. If I’m going to spend four years there, I think I have to have a good relationship with the coach. That was the biggest piece for me.”"

Logan Cooley recently signed his ELC with the Arizona Coyotes, so the Minnesota Gophers would certainly be in the market for another talented forward. However, Bump might feel inclined to stay in Hockey East, and if so, Boston College might make sense as fellow Flyers pick and draft classmate Cutter Gauthier plays there.

Mike McMahon of College Hockey News believes that staying in Hockey East or heading over to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference would be strong alternatives to Minnesota. Some options in the latter include the University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State, and the University of Denver. The University of Nebraska Omaha could also present itself as an option, considering Alex Bump played for the Omaha Lancers in the USHL.

For the Philadelphia Flyers’ side of things, where Alex Bump ends up shouldn’t matter too much as long as he stays healthy, plays, and develops. Playing alongside Cutter Gauthier or someplace where the organization has strong connections would certainly be a plus.

Wherever Alex Bump finds himself in the fall, it’s important that it’s the right place. Bump planned on playing for four years, so those four years need to count.