Payne has made appearances in the last three seasons for the Nittany Lions.
Boyer played in seven games this season.
Unlike last season, Penn State men's hockey finds themselves in strong position for the postseason at the start of January.
Rucci started 18 games across two seasons for the Nittany Lions.
Malloe coached alongside new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn at UCLA in 2023.
Brown has not registered a stat in two seasons with the Nittany Lions.