News Summary
As Michigan State hockey prepares for the upcoming season, the team faces significant roster changes including the departure of key players and the addition of promising recruits. Head coach Adam Nightingale aims to elevate the team’s performance after recent successes. With players like Tyson Jugnauth moving to professional leagues, the Spartans are actively seeking new talents to enhance their roster. Additionally, potential professional pursuits by standout players create both challenges and opportunities for the team as they aim for greater success on the national stage.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State hockey is gearing up for the 2025-26 season as it navigates significant roster changes and focuses on enhancing its competitive presence at the national level. Following a bittersweet end to the previous season, where the Spartans faced an unexpected 4-3 loss to Cornell in the NCAA regional semifinals, the team looks to build on its achievements, including two consecutive Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles.
Under the direction of head coach Adam Nightingale, now entering his fourth season, the Spartans have their sights set firmly on advancing further in the NCAA tournament after being ranked No. 1 nationally last year. The upcoming season presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly with the recent departure of key players and fresh commitments from promising recruits.
One significant change comes with defenseman Tyson Jugnauth signing a professional contract with the Seattle Kraken, thereby forgoing his NCAA eligibility. Jugnauth, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft (No. 100 overall), had been a notable prospect for the Spartans after coming off a season with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks and previously spending two years at the University of Wisconsin. His departure means MSU will need to secure another defenseman ahead of the 2025-26 season.
In a positive development, Michigan State has announced the commitment of Anthony Romani, who joins the team from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Romani, a 19-year-old right-handed shot forward from Pickering, Ontario, previously played for the Barrie Colts and the North Bay Battalion, where he excelled with 111 points over 68 games in the 2023-24 season. This talented recruit was also drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks and will possess four years of NCAA eligibility upon his arrival.
The potential addition of forward Cayden Lindstrom, who played in the WHL with Medicine Hat, could bring further strength to the roster. Lindstrom, drafted as the No. 4 overall pick by Columbus in the 2024 NHL Draft, recorded 27 goals and 19 assists last season. While he is recuperating from back surgery, he has not yet confirmed his commitment to MSU, with an announcement expected in the summer.
As Michigan State prepares for the new season, the possibility of several players leaving for professional opportunities looms. Notable among these is Isaac Howard, the Hobey Baker finalist and Big Ten Player of the Year, who may sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Junior forwards Karsen Dorwart and Joey Larson are also likely to pursue professional contracts, with Dorwart reportedly nearing a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. Additionally, sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine remains undecided on his professional future after being selected in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, with the Detroit Red Wings showing interest.
If Augustine decides to leave, MSU has its eyes set on goaltender commit Melvin Strahl, who had a solid performance in the USHL and is part of Sweden’s U-20 World Junior Team, as a potential replacement.
Returning players are expected to include forward Charlie Stramel, a first-round pick by Minnesota in the 2023 NHL Draft, alongside junior forward Daniel Russell. The defense is bolstered by Buffalo Sabres draft picks Maxim Strbak and Patrick Geary, as well as alternate captain Matt Basgall, all anticipated to return for the upcoming season.
In addition to the commitments already secured, MSU is also looking forward to welcoming high-impact recruits including Tyson Jugnauth, who is making waves with 13 goals and 76 assists in 65 games, and forward Ryker Lee, who tallied 28 goals and 33 assists during his time with the Madison Capitals in the USHL.
As the Spartans approach the 2025-26 season, the focus remains on enhancing team depth and performance on the ice, in hopes of making a significant impact at the national level.
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Additional Resources
- Spartans Wire: Michigan State Hockey Gets OHL Star Anthony Romani
- ESPN: 2025 Frozen Four NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament Schedule
- MSU Spartans: Men’s Ice Hockey – Spartans Begin NCAA Tournament
- Lansing State Journal: MSU Hockey NCAA Regional Cayden Lindstrom
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Hockey
