The 2026 NHL Draft is one day away, and several Michigan State hockey commits are projected to be picked — including several in the first round.
The draft will be held June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The first round will be held June 26, beginning at 7 p.m. Rounds 2-7 will begin at 11 a.m. the following day.
MSU has at least 11 commits in the draft, including four who are expected on its roster for the upcoming season. Half of last year’s roster was drafted, including four first-rounders.
“Draft status is great,” said coach Adam Nightingale last season. “It's a great word, you've got to make sure it doesn't become an insult, too. Just because you were drafted in a certain spot doesn't mean you're entitled to being a good player… College hockey is really hard. You look at the number of games we play, essentially every game is like a playoff game.”
Draft Prospects Expected on 2026-27 Roster
Chase Reid - D
Chase Reid has the highest projection of all the Spartan commits.
The 6-foot-2 defenseman is an elite skater who can defend the zone, lead a rush and create offense.
NHL Central Scouting ranked him the No. 2 North American Skater, and most mock drafts project him as the second overall pick by the San Jose Sharks.
He posted 48 points (18g-30a) in 45 games for the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League, good for a plus-27 rating. He also contributed five points in four games at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships.
