Michigan State hockey senior winger Daniel Russell has signed an amateur tryout with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has also signed a professional contract with the AHL Penguins starting in the 2026-27 season. 

Russell finished his senior season with 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists). He played in all 150 games under coach Adam Nightingale, producing 119 points. He ranked sixth all-time among active players at the time of his final game.

Russell was a top-line forward all four years at MSU, finishing second in scoring with 22 assists and 30 points in his freshman season. He led the team with seven game-winning goals during his junior season, including an overtime buzzer-beater at the Frozen Confines.

Russell was a linemate of Isaac Howard, Karsen Dorwart, Joey Larson, Charlie Stramel and Porter Martone. All but Stramel have signed professional contracts, and Stramel still has time remaining.

“Danny Russell has been so consistent for us,” Nightingale said earlier in the season. “Since day one, he got here, he's been a top line player for us. … The common denominator is Danny Russell, and he makes guys around them better. It's hard to have guys like that, that are here for four years, but we feel fortunate to try and take advantage of having them.”

Russell was one of the three seniors (along with center Tiernan Shoudy and defenseman Matt Basgall) that Nightingale thanked for their dedication to building the program back up. He's frequently been called "an everyday guy." Russell helped lead the team to its pair of Big Ten Tournament Championships and three Big Ten regular-season titles. He entered college hockey undrafted.

“You're gonna remember these four years, for the rest of your life,” Russell said after his final collegiate game. “The coaching staff has been amazing. You've given us, believed in us, and given us every opportunity we've asked for. So it's been amazing.”