The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft felt like a Michigan State newcomer reunion.
After Chase Reid went No. 7 overall to the Seattle Kraken and Nikita Klepov was picked 15th by the Anaheim Ducks, joining fellow Spartan Eric Nilson who was picked by them at No. 45 last year, one of the newer Michigan State signees, Ethan Belchetz, was selected No. 17 overall after the Utah Mammoth traded up to get him.
The left winger from Canada was projected anywhere from 10 to 20 but he was expected to be the second Spartan taken in this year’s draft. He “slipped” a bit to No. 17 and seeing him still on the board at that point, Utah couldn’t sit around and wait and they traded up for him immediately.
Wise choice by the Mammoth because Belchetz is going to be one of the best players in the NCAA this season and I wouldn’t be shocked if he breaks out and forces Utah’s hand next year.
At 6-foot-5 and 229 pounds, Belchetz’s size sets him apart and that could make him an absolute menace in front of the net. Although he can handle the puck and has a powerful shot of his own, Belchetz can camp in front of the net and cause problems for opposing goalies who are going to have a tough time seeing past his massive size.
Being chosen by the Mammoth just makes sense because he is one.
Ethan Belchetz is going to be a weapon on both ends of the ice
Michigan State got a really good player when Belchetz committed about a month ago and he’s going to bring a plus game to both ends of the ice which is exactly what the Spartans need.
Not only is Belchetz skilled on the offensive end with shot creation, passing, and his front-of-net game, but he’s considered one of the best defensive-minded wingers in this year’s draft class. Does that mean that he’s going to be elite on both ends? Maybe not right away, but I think he could legitimately be one of the top players in the NCAA this season.
It was surprising to see him drop to 17th overall, but Utah got itself a really good player who’s going to be ready whenever they call his name up to the league.
The trio of Belchetz, Reid, and Klepov are going to be insanely fun to watch in the green and white this season. This is what you could call an Adam Nightingale masterclass.
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