Where Umberger will play in 2003-04 is more of a mystery, but it won’t be in Columbus. He’s still unsigned by the Vancouver Canucks, who took him in the first round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, but he was removed from the Buckeyes’ roster on Monday. In the meantime, Umberger is skating with the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Umberger, Ohio State’s top scorer in each of his three collegiate seasons, is the second significant departure for head coach John Markell’s program this summer. Ryan Kesler, a 2003 Canucks’ first-round pick, signed with Vancouver in August. Kesler was the fourth-leading scorer for Ohio State as a rookie.

"It's unfortunate that he's not coming back, and it's a surprise that he's got nowhere to play," head coach John Markell said Wednesday. "He wants to play professional hockey, and we're hoping that he'll be playing in the NHL soon."

Umberger attended the Canucks’ preseason game at Minnesota on Friday night along with his family advisor/agent, Brian Lawton.

"Obviously it is very disappointing," Umberger told the Vancouver Sun at the game. "I'm anxious to get my professional career started and to sit home is tough. I just have to make sure I'm in great shape when the time comes."

The Sun reported that the Canucks have not moved from their initial contract offer to Umberger, which the paper said was approximately 20 percent less than what they paid Kesler.

The Canucks are four games into their preseason schedule. Meanwhile, classes in the autumn quarter at Ohio State begin on Thursday.

If he were to sit out the season, Umberger would become a free agent next summer. If he stayed at Ohio State, the Canucks would retain his rights.

Markell has used Umberger's scholarship funds, dispensing them among players on the current Buckeye roster. When Kesler left, the Buckeyes were able to bring in a new recruit, Mathieu Beaudoin.

Umberger finished his collegiate career with 58 goals and 71 assists (129 points). He was the 2001 CCHA Rookie of the Year and a finalist last season for the Hobey Baker Award and the CCHA Player of the Year award.