Even with Augustine returning, the upcoming season is expected to be his last in East Lansing. The South Lyon native is likely to sign with the Detroit Red Wings, who drafted him in 2023, and continue his development at the professional level.

With Augustine’s eventual departure looming and Di Pasquo now gone, MSU’s future in goal is uncertain. Junior Dolan Gilbert remains as the third-string option, but the backup position and long-term starter role are now open questions.

The return of Trey Augustine

According to multiple sources, Augustine informed the Red Wings that he will return to Michigan State for one more season.

The winningest goaltender in IIHF World Junior Championship history, Augustine led Team USA to back-to-back gold medals. In his freshman season, he helped MSU return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016 and, across two years, backstopped the Spartans to back-to-back Big Ten regular season and tournament titles — a first in program history.

Augustine was named Big Ten Goaltender of the Year as a sophomore and is a finalist for both the Mike Richter Award, given to the nation’s top college goaltender, and the AAU Sullivan Award, which honors the nation’s top amateur athlete.

The 20 year old has recorded six career shutouts — three in each of his first two seasons — and added four career points, with one assist in his freshman season and three in his sophomore year.

Augustine finished the 2024-25 season with a 2.08 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage.

Much like current NHL standout Jake Oettinger — who returned to Boston University for a third season after being drafted in the first round by the Dallas Stars — Augustine will return for a third season with MSU, aiming to finish what he started before turning pro.

The departure of Luca Di Pasquo

With Augustine returning, Di Pasquo saw limited opportunity to take over as MSU’s starter. On Monday, March 31, the Livonia native entered the transfer portal in search of a program where he can compete for a starting role.

Di Pasquo started seven games during the regular season while Augustine was out. He recorded his first collegiate shutout against Lindenwood and another against Northern Michigan in the Great Lakes Invitational, then backstopped MSU to a win over then-No. 4 Western Michigan in the GLI Championship.

He also helped MSU sweep Wisconsin, including a victory at the Frozen Four at Wrigley Field. His final appearance came in a 6-4 win over Penn State.

Going 7-0 on the season, Di Pasquo put up impressive numbers. With a 1.70 goals allowed average and a .933 save percentage, he created a campaign for himself to become a starting goaltender outside of Michigan State. In the green and white, Di Pasquo waited for his number to be called and was always prepared when it was, but now the talented netminder hopes to earn the starting position elsewhere.

The future of Melvin Strahl

Strahl announced his commitment via instagram in October of 2024, continuing his career in hockey into DI by joining the Spartans for the 2025-26 season, likely as a back up to Augustine before he departs to join the Red Wings organization.

The Sollefteå, Sweden native was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets after putting up impressive numbers with MoDo Hockey in his home country. The '05 born netminder recorded a .903 save percentage and 2.91 goals allowed average. 

After his draft year season, Strahl played the 2024-25 season with the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL. He put up a .900 save percentage and 2.48 GAA. He owned a 30-12-0 record through his junior season.

With the new season now on the horizon and set to commence in October 2025, the team’s roster has seen some significant changes especially in the loss of Di Pasquo, yet are determined to get back to the postseason and finish what they started.