Like Jase Richardson during the 2025 NBA Draft, Michigan State defenseman Shane Vansaghi had to wait longer than expected to hear his name called during the NHL Draft.
Once projected as a potential late first-rounder, Vansaghi slid into the middle of the second round. But his fall was made worth it due to his destination.
The 18-year-old was drafted with the No. 48 overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers, reuniting with former MSU teammate Karsen Dorwart.
Vansaghi impressed as a freshman, appearing in all 37 games and recording 16 points (six goals and 10 assists) on the year. His 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame, paired with strong mobility and hockey IQ, made him one of the more intriguing two-way blueliners in this year’s class.
The St. Louis native became the 132nd-ever Spartan draftee and second in 2025, following Ryker Lee, who was selected 26th overall by the Nashville Predators. The incoming freshman is the 13th first-round pick in Michigan State history and second in as many drafts after Artyom Leshunov was selected No. 2 in the 2024 NHL Draft.
At just 18 years old, his dynamic offensive ability should make him and Howard, the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner, a strong tandem. Lee amassed a staggering 68 points in 58 games for the USHL’s Madison Capitols before committing to Michigan State.
He is also the fourth first-rounder to play for Adam Nightingale since 2022, joining Leshunov, Isaac Howard, and Charlie Stramel.
Dorwart, formerly MSU’s alternate captain, opted to forgo his final season of eligibility to become a free agent after the Spartans lost to Cornell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He went undrafted in 2024, so he joined the Flyers in late March before making his NHL debut on April 5.
With the Flyers focused on building a young, competitive core, the addition of Vansaghi bolsters their blue line of the future.
Whether the pair are skating in Lehigh Valley or eventually donning Flyers sweaters together, the Spartan connection will remain intact — and could play a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s rebuild. Meanwhile, Lee is an enticing young piece for both Spartans and Predators fans to be excited about.
Additionally, incoming freshmen Brady Nilson (forward) and Brady Peddle (defensemen) were also selected on Saturday. Nilson went a few picks before Vansaghi, with the Anaheim Ducks taking him 45th overall, while Peddle was drafted in the third round at pick No. 91 by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
And for Michigan State fans, it’s another reminder of the growing NHL pipeline being developed in East Lansing.