Freshman left-defense David Gucciardi (7) takes on senior right-wing Nolan Moyle (27). MSU's hockey season came to an end after a second loss to the University of Michigan in the Big Ten Men's Hockey Tournament at Yost Ice Arena on March 05, 2022.
—Michigan State sophomore defenseman David Gucciardi has been selected 213th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Gucciardi was part of a three-man freshman class in 2021-22 that produced at a high-level and brings promise to Michigan State. A left-shot defenseman, he recorded five goals and six assists in 36 games, including a dynamite three goals in two games during the Great Lakes Invitational.
This makes Gucciardi the fourth member of the current Spartan blue line to become an NHL draftee, joining fifth-years Christian and Cole Krygier as well as incoming freshman Viktor Hurtig. Forward Josh Nodler, who transferred to UMass in the spring, was also drafted into the NHL, a fifth-round pick by the Calgary Flames in 2019 just before his freshman year.
Michigan State commit Jack Sparkes was also drafted Friday in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Kings.
Gucciardi is expected to step into a bigger role in his sophomore year. He was a key, offensive-minded piece to the Spartan power play and should benefit from the addition of the new coaching staff.
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