
Michigan State Hockey Secures Record-Breaking Draft Haul
A look at how a wave of top‑draft selections is reshaping the Spartans' roster and signaling a new era of defensive strength.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Chase Reid across Hockey.

A look at how a wave of top‑draft selections is reshaping the Spartans' roster and signaling a new era of defensive strength.

The Spartans' 2026‑27 squad boasts nine players selected in the opening round of the NHL draft, eclipsing Michigan's former record and positioning the team for a championship push.

Gavin McKenna becomes the first Penn State player drafted first overall, while a record 19 current or committed NCAA athletes fill the opening round, underscoring a transformative shift in the league's talent pipeline.

A look at the nine Michigan State hockey players drafted, the coaching strategy, and what the selections mean for the program's outlook.

The 2026 NHL Draft saw a record 53 American players chosen, spanning 16 states and featuring standout performances from the USHL and NTDP. The first round alone produced five U.S. prospects, led by Chase Reid as the highest‑ranked American pick.

Freshman forwards Cullen Potter and Ethan Belchetz headline a Michigan State roster that blends six first‑round draft picks with returning All‑Americans, positioning the Spartans as a top contender for the national championship.

The 2026 NHL Draft set a new record with 19 current or committed NCAA players chosen in the first round, underscoring the growing influence of college hockey and featuring standout picks from Boston University, Denver, North Dakota, Michigan State, and Minnesota.

The 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo set a new record with nineteen college players selected in the first round, reflecting a decisive shift toward the NCAA as a development pipeline.

The opening night of the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo showcased a surge of Michigan State talent, with five commits selected and four signing, outpacing their in‑state rivals.
Michigan State’s hockey prospects shone at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, with five first‑round selections that underscored the program’s rising influence.

The opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft showcased an unprecedented reliance on college programs, with more than half of the picks boasting NCAA experience.

The Seattle Kraken selected defenseman Chase Reid with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a move that could reshape their blue‑line.

Michigan State adds Tommy Bleyl, a 6‑foot defenseman, to its roster while he finishes a season in the QMJHL.

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft saw the Spartans select defenseman Tommy Bleyl with the 31st overall pick. He will spend a final season with the Moncton Wildcats before joining the program in 2027‑28, a timeline that has caught the attention of the Nashville Predators.

Seattle’s seventh overall selection of Chase Reid marks the franchise’s first first‑round defenseman pick, highlighting a bold move toward an offensive‑focused blue line.
The latest NHL draft saw a Michigan State record nine players selected in the first round, highlighted by Chase Reid, Nikita Klepov, Ethan Belchetz and Jack Hextall.
Nikita Klepov’s 15th‑overall selection by the Anaheim Ducks spotlights a fresh wave of talent at Michigan State, where coach Adam Nightingale aims to blend offensive flair with defensive discipline.

The Seattle Kraken's seventh overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Chase Reid, is set to begin his collegiate career at Michigan State University, bringing size, shot and playmaking to both the Spartans and the Kraken.

Selected seventh overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, Chase Reid brings a blend of Michigan roots and elite junior experience to a Michigan State program eyeing a Frozen Four return.

Drafted seventh overall, Chase Reid brings size, skill and a proven offensive record to Michigan State, where he is expected to anchor the defense and quarterback the power play.

Seattle Kraken’s first‑round choice of Chase Reid marks a milestone for the franchise, spotlighting a player whose draft path was defined by perseverance and a standout season in the OHL.

The Seattle Kraken selected Chase Reid with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a move highlighted by scouts for his size, athleticism and emerging hockey sense.
Selected seventh overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2026 NHL Draft, Chase Reid brings a blend of size, skill and collegiate commitment that could accelerate Michigan State’s push back to the Frozen Four.

The 2026 NHL Draft begins on June 26, with the Seattle Kraken poised to make impactful selections. This article explores the timeline, key trades, and the prospects under consideration.