MSU hockey takes a moment of silence for their recent loss of Dan Sturges before their game in Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, Mich. on Jan. 23, 2026.
The 2026 NHL Draft kicked off Friday night, and several Michigan State hockey players have already been scooped up.
Incoming freshmen defenseman Chase Reid, winger Nikita Klepov and centers Ethan Belchetz and Jack Hextall were drafted in the first round.
Spartan commit and defenseman Thomas Bleyl was also drafted on Friday night, and is expected at MSU for the 2027-28 season.
Along with this year's draft class, the Spartans' upcoming roster will now include nine first-round draft picks, Cayden Lindstrom, Ryker Lee, Joshua Ravensbergen, Cullen Potter and Mason West, who is currently expected to join the squad. MSU had the most commits drafted in the first round with five of the 32 draftees this year.
The draft will resume Saturday morning at 11 a.m. MSU still has several commits that are available for selection: Brooks Rogowski (C), Jonas Kemps (D), Nicholas Bogas (D), Dryden Allen (D), Tyler Challenger (LW) and Brody George (C/W).
Here’s every MSU draft pick and a little on their organizations, in order of selection.
This article will update as the draft goes on.
Friday, June 26 - Round 1
Chase Reid - 7th overall; Seattle Kraken
Reid was the first Spartan off the board, as well as the first Spartan to ever be drafted by the Kraken.
He entered the draft known as an elite two-way defenseman who can prevent plays and drive offense. That identity was a stark contrast to his 2024-25 season, in which he moved down to the North American Hockey League after being scratched by his United State Hockey League organization.
Reid told the media that experience humbled him and made him better, which was highlighted by a tremendous performance last season. He posted 48 points (18g-30a) in 45 games with the Ontario Hockey League's Soo Greyhounds, as well as four points (2g-2a) for the U.S. at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships.
The Kraken told the media there were several defensemen expected to go in the top-four picks, and Reid was high on their list. The pick was lower than expected for Reid, as he was projected as high as the second overall and closer to the fourth overall pick.
Seattle has only been a franchise for five seasons and finished 27th in the NHL last season. The Kraken's one playoff appearance was in the 2022-23 season; they eliminated the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, who were the defending champions.
Nikita Klepov - 15th overall; Anaheim Ducks
Klepov heard his name called after Anaheim traded for his pick mid-draft.
He was expected to go fairly early given his offensive abilities. The right wing tallied 97 points (37g-60a) as a rookie to lead the OHL.
The Ducks now have two Spartans in their system as Klepov joins sophomore forward Eric Nilson in the prospect pool. Led by a mix of young talent and some seasoned players, Anaheim had one of its best seasons in years. The Ducks improved by 12 points from their previous season and reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
Ethan Belchetz - 17th overall; Utah Mammoth
Belchetz followed Klepov just two picks later, selected by the Utah Mammoth. Similar to Reid, Belchetz is the first Spartan at his franchise, which has only played two seasons.
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The center is known for his physicality and put up 59 points (34g-25a) in the OHL last season.
He joins a club with a relatively young NHL roster (including Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther and others) that is captained by Clayton Keller, who won gold with the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Mammoth made the playoffs last season before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Jack Hextall - 30th overall; Calgary Flames
Hextall was one of the last first-round picks, chosen by Calgary.
He collected 58 points (20g-38a) for the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms last season, aiding his team in a first-place finish.
Hextall joins Potter in Calgary's system as Potter transferred to MSU for the upcoming season. For the most part, the Flames have hung around the bottom of the NHL in recent years and are looking to rebuild.
Thomas Bleyl - 31st overall; Nashville Predators
Bleyl was projected for the first or second round of the draft, but his moment came with a last-minute surprise. The Predators traded both of their second-round picks with the Carolina Hurricanes in order to draft him 31st overall.
The defenseman is known for his skating, which helped him lead the QMJHL in assists (68) and boast a plus-58 on-ice rating. The rookie finished last season with 81 points (13g-68a) in 63 games for the Moncton Wildcats, the organization he will return to prior to joining MSU.
Bleyl joins Lee in Nashville's prospect pool. The Predators fell short during their playoff push last season and are under new leadership as Chris MacFarland was recently named President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.
