The Spartans celebrate the game winning goal from freshman defenseman Patrick Geary (2) during a game against University of Michigan at Munn Ice Arena on March 23, 2024. MSU secured the Big Ten Tournament championship with their win over the Wolverines.
The roster of the Michigan State Hockey team has continued to soar above and beyond. With the National Hockey League draft taking place, several Spartans had their dreams become reality.
Between recruiting, a contract extension for a well-rounded head coach Adam Nightingale and the return of two stand-out players, the Spartans are a team that will continue to make noise for years to come.
With the end of the school year in April and the quick turnaround back to East Lansing to begin training for the upcoming season looming in July, the 2025 NHL draft took place in Los Angeles where MSU was sure to show up and out. Six Spartans – current and future – were taken in rounds one, two, three and five. MSU tied for the third most drafted players in the NCAA behind in-state foes University of Michigan and Hockey East's Boston University.
Ryker Lee: Round one, pick No. 26
Drafted to the Nashville Predators, incoming freshman forward Ryker Lee was drafted out of the USHL in the first round of the 2025 NHL draft. Lee is set to bring his talents to East Lansing in the fall.
Taking home the United States Hockey League player of the year, the six-foot, 170-pound forward recorded 31 goals and 68 points in 58 games played with the Madison Capitols. He became just the 13th Spartan in history to be taken in the first round of the NHL draft.
Mason West: Round one, pick No. 29
6-foot-6, dual sport athlete and forward Mason West was selected at No. 29 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks – who traded up to capture their guy. He served as the second Spartan of the day to be taken in the first round of the draft.
West, a high school quarterback in Edina, MN. as well as a high school hockey player, plans to take his talents to Fargo, ND to play for the Force in the USHL. He compiled 114 points across three seasons with Edina High School and helped lead the team to a state championship during the 2023-24 season. It is expected that West will join Michigan State during the 26-27 season.
Eric Nilson: Round two, pick 45
Committing to Michigan State in just the last month, centerman Eric Nilson – who is expected to round out the 25-26 roster for the Spartans – was picked up at 45th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. Nilson, born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and of Swedish heritage follows in the footsteps of his father Marcus, a 10-year veteran of the NHL.
The 2007-born, 165-pound versatile forward played last season in Sweden for Djurgårdens for the IF J18 regional, the IF J18 Nationell and the IF J20 Nationell, in which he excelled. During his run with J20, Nilson recorded 12 goals and 26 assists, along with 13 playoff points. Nilson competed on the national stage as well for the Swedish International U18 squad.
Shane Vansaghi: Round two, pick No. 48
As the only current Spartan to be selected in the 2025 draft, incoming sophomore forward Shane Vansaghi was selected in the second round by the Philadelphia Flyers with potential to join former Spartan Karsen Dorwart on the roster in the coming years.
During his freshman campaign, Vansaghi played on the fourth line as a key asset to the lineup. With six goals and 10 assists – playing in all 37 games as the sixth youngest player in college hockey – he took part in the power play as a physical net-front presence and showed skill through strong stick handling to get ahead of defenders.
Brady Peddle: Round three, pick No. 91
At 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, Brady Peddle – projected to join the Spartans during the 2026-27 season – was selected at 91 overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The defenseman played last season with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League, even having a chance to compete in the Clark Cup playoffs.
While the defenseman recorded just three goals and seven assists during his first season in juniors and matched the point total during the playoffs, Peddle brings more to the table than his stats on paper. Peddle is known for his physicality and ability to carry the puck into the zone, a key role on any team he competes on.
Max Heise: Round five, pick No. 150
The last Spartan taken in the 2025 draft, taken at 150th overall by the San Jose Sharks, 26-27 forward Max Heise was drafted after a well-rounded season with the Penticton Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
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A center and winger with a strong sense for defensive play, Heise recorded 27 goals and 40 points in the BCHL during the 24-25 season. Heise will transfer his talents to the Western Hockey League in the CHL for the upcoming season, joining the Prince Albert Raiders.
