Michigan State's hockey program celebrated a milestone this week as nine of its players were selected in the 2026 NHL Draft, establishing a new franchise record and rekindling optimism among fans and alumni.
Coach Adam Nightingale, who has guided the team through a period of rapid development, used the draft to underline his commitment to building a competitive roster for the 2026‑27 season.
A First‑Round Surge
The opening round of the draft featured five Spartans — Chase Reid, Nikita Klepov, Ethan Belchetz, Jack Hextall and Tommy Bleyl — each joining NHL clubs that see long‑term potential in their skill sets.
Among the later selections, defenseman Cullen McCrate distinguished himself by becoming the record‑breaking seventh‑round pick, a testament to the depth of talent emerging from the university.
Additional prospects Brooks Rogowski, Jonas Kemps and Nick Bogas were also drafted, with all three slated to report to their respective NHL teams for the 2027 campaign, further enriching the program's pipeline.
The collective impact of these selections is expected to reinforce Michigan State's reputation as a breeding ground for NHL talent, positioning the university for sustained success in the coming years.