Belchetz is projected to go top-15 in the 2026 NHL Draft and announced his commitment to MSU hockey via Instagram Tuesday morning. MSU hockey collaborated on the post, indicating that Belchetz is signed and set to arrive for the 2026-27 season. 

Belchetz had 34 goals and 25 assists in 54 games with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. His season was cut short after he broke his clavicle (collarbone) in early March. 

The 6-foot-5 forward is known for his large frame and net-front style, similar to former center Charlie Stramel. Belchetz is ranked ninth among North American skaters eligible for the draft.

Chase Reid

Incoming defenseman Chase Reid is the highest-ranked prospect committed to the Spartans' program. Reid signed with MSU prior to competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships in December 2025.

Associate head coach Jared DeMichiel and Reid’s family confirmed Reid will join MSU this season unless an NHL team has other plans for him, according to The Sault Star. 

Reid is expected to crack the top five in the draft; multiple mock drafts have him going as high as second overall to the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks have a history of letting their players develop in the NCAA as young forwards. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith both played one collegiate season prior to their NHL debuts.

Nikita Klepov

Forward Nikita Klepov, ranked eighth among North American skaters, is another draft-eligible Spartan commit. Klepov led the OHL with 37 assists and 60 goals in 67 games for the Saginaw Spirit, earning him OHL Rookie of the Year and other top-scoring awards. 

Mason West

Forward Mason West is also expected at MSU following the conclusion of his season with the USHL’s Fargo Force (10 goals, 15 assists, 38 games). West and the Force compete tonight in the Clark Cup playoffs. 

West, a 6-foot-6 power forward, committed to MSU in June 2025, one week before he was drafted 29th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. West brings skill and athleticism having quarterbacked Edina High School to a Minnesota state football championship while also playing hockey. 

Goaltending

The Spartans have appeared to fill all three goaltending gaps following the departures of Trey Augustine, who signed an entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings, and Melvin Strahl, who transferred to Minnesota.

Goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen (drafted Round 1, 30th overall to the San Jose Sharks) announced his commitment to MSU in January and publicly thanked the WHL’s Prince George Cougars on April 29, signifying a move to the next level. Ravensbergen posted a 2.51 goals-against average with a .919 save percentage in 46 games this past season.

Similarly, goaltender JJ Salajko (3.78 GAA, .886 SV% in 16 games) committed to MSU in April, and an official statement from the Watertown Shamrocks on May 7 confirmed his departure from the NAHL, pointing to MSU as his next stop. 

MSU also picked up Quentin Sigurdson from Northeastern out of the transfer portal. Sigurdson has played just 10 games combined throughout two seasons, posting a 2.72 GAA and .920 save percentage in four games last season.