I think they'll make some changes. They do every year. I can't see this being the year they change that formula. I think the forwards are where it's easiest to see some changes.
Epperson and Pardue look like two of the forwards that are easiest to send down. I'd include McMorrow and potentially Vansaghi as candidates, although I think they are closer to long shots to be sent down. I think Potter, Fondrk, Moore, McKinney, and Murtgah all have a chance. I don't think this is a year where there are any extremely obvious candidates for the forwards. Fondrk had a hot start, but his numbers have fallen back. That's kind of what I was seeing. Good, not great, scoring winger that wasn't going to continue that. Probably not a callup. Murtagh is another probably not, but I think he's underrated and I think he could fit a bunch of different roles. Moore leads the team in points, but he's inconsistent. Shows up some games and not others. McKinney doesn't have the highest point totals, but they are still pretty good and he's an elite defensive forward. He can fill a role. Potter doesn't have the point totals he should have, but is dominating shifts and looks like the best player on the team.
Defense, I think this is more straightforward. Trethewey will probably be promoted. I don't see the others having too much of a chance, unless they love Amico's potential. I think Laurila is actually the most likely of the defensemen sent down. DRM probably should also be in contention, but he's a 2025 draft-eligible so that might catch him a break.
They might call up a goalie also, whether as third string or the backup. The 17's have three goalies, so they don't need all three to finish out their season, and USAH likes taking 3 to these major tournaments. Boettiger is the one people talk about and has played more games, but Quinlan has better numbers. Won't be Slavick, but I think Boettiger or Quinlan will be called up and be 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart.
My predictions: Potter, McKinney, Trethewey, Boettiger promoted. Epperson, Pardue, Laurila demoted.