EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Six players with ties to Michigan State’s hockey program heard their name called in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

The only current Spartan to hear his name called was rising sophomore forward Shane Vansaghi who was selected No. 48 by the Philadelphia Flyers. Philly really liked Vansaghi’s size standing at 6’3″ and 212 pounds and his physical play. Vansaghi spent his freshman season playing on Sparty’s fourth line where we posted six goals and 16 points. With the Flyers drafting Vansaghi, this opens up the opportunity for Vansaghi to potentially reunite with former MSU teammate Karsen Dorwart who signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Flyers after the 2024-25 season.

Two Spartans who are expected to join Vansaghi at Munn Ice Arena this upcoming season were drafted. With the 26th overall selection, the Nashville Predators drafted forward Ryker Lee. Lee who won USHL Rookie of the Year award this past season is an elite puck handler with great vision and an incredible release. Lee is a very highly offensive player who will thrive under Coach Adam Nightingale at MSU and fills a need for Nashville. The other draftee who is expected to head to East Lansing this fall is the Anaheim Ducks’ No. 45 pick Eric Nilson. Nilson is an extremely smart, two-way center, who skates well and handles the puck with poise. Playing in the NHL is in Nilson’s blood as his father, Marcus Nilson, played 10 seasons in the league, racking up 270 points.

Advertisement

As for the three guys Michigan State fans might have to wait until the 2026-2027 season to see – Mason West was the first commit off the board by the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 29. West is an incredibly interesting story, growing up in Edina, Minnesota, West is also a standout quarterback who passed for over 2500 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024. West received interest in playing football at schools like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Penn State, but ultimately committed to play hockey at MSU in June of 2025. West plans to play football for Edina High School this fall, then join the Fargo Force of the USHL in the winter before heading to East Lansing. In the third round, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected Brady Peddle with the No. 91 overall pick, and Max Heise was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the No. 150 overall pick.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.