MSU senior defender Matt Basgall (9) watches for the puck in the Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, Mich. on Oct. 9, 2025.
Former Michigan State hockey captain Matt Basgall signed a one-year professional contract with the San Diego Gulls, announced by the organization yesterday. The Gulls are the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.
The 23-year-old defenseman joined the Gulls in April under an amateur-tryout agreement, which allows players to compete without a contract. He posted two points (1g-1a) and a +6 rating in four regular-season games and skated in two playoff games.
He tallied 20 points (4g-16a) with a +16 rating during his senior season and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Basgall — like former forwards Daniel Russell and Tiernan Shoudy — was an undrafted prospect who competed in all 150 games Adam Nightingale has coached so far. The team won three Big Ten regular-season titles and two Big Ten Tournament Championships over those four years.
Basgall is the last of that undrafted trio to sign a professional contract, as Russell and Shoudy did so in the spring.
Prior to his time at MSU, Basgall competed in the United States Hockey League with Omaha and Tri-City, posting 67 career points and a +31 rating.
Basgall is one of seven players the Gulls signed to one-year deals.
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