Four MSU Players Projected to Go in NHL Draft

Though he played limited minutes, he still produced six goals and 10 assists — and made his presence felt in all three zones.

Washington is a perfect fit. Vansaghi’s hard-nosed style mirrors that of Capitals winger Tom Wilson. He’s not a dirty player, but he loves to throw his weight around and make life miserable for opponents. With a nonstop motor and some offensive upside still to unlock, Vansaghi’s projection as a middle-six energy forward is becoming clearer by the day.

Eric Nilson – Pick No. 42 (New York Islanders)

Just five picks later, Nilson comes off the board to Long Island. The Swedish forward committed to Michigan State in May 2025 and instantly gives the program a cerebral, high-motor two-way weapon.

What sets Nilson apart is his skating — he’s one of the best movers in the draft and constantly impacts the game on both ends. He was a standout at the U18 World Juniors, with Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects calling his performance “a true two-way beast of an outing.”

Nilson won’t overpower you — he’s just 155 pounds — but he reads the game like a veteran, kills penalties, and never stops moving. He’ll be a coach’s favorite from Day 1 in East Lansing.

Ryker Lee – Pick No. 43 (New York Rangers)

Right after Nilson, the Rangers scoop up Ryker Lee — a high-upside offensive winger with one of the best skill toolkits in the class.

Lee, who committed to Michigan State in March, offers elite hands, a rocket shot, and high-end hockey sense. Elite Prospects ranked him as one of the 10 most skilled players in the entire draft, giving him strong marks in passing, shooting, and puck handling.

His only drawback? The skating. Lee earned just a 4.0 in that area on a 1–9 scale — a red flag in today’s NHL. But that’s why college is perfect for his development. He’ll have time to round out his game, and if he can improve the stride, the rest of his skill set screams top-six winger.

Brady Peddle – Pick No. 69 (Detroit Red Wings)

Lastly, Michigan State commit Brady Peddle lands with the Detroit Red Wings — and it’s the kind of pick that feels ripped from Detroit’s recent playbook.

Peddle is a 6-foot-4 defenseman who played for Waterloo in the USHL. He brings size, physicality, and a surprisingly smooth skating stride for his frame. He’s not going to run a power play or log huge offensive minutes, but he plays an efficient, heavy game that NHL teams love in a third-pair role.

Think Scott Mayfield of the Islanders — responsible, mean, and hard to play against.

With four projected top-100 picks — and multiple commits developing in elite junior systems — Michigan State is no longer just building something special. It's becoming a force in college hockey.

And the NHL is taking notice.

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