First-round NHL draft pick transfers to Michigan State hockey

The ending to the Michigan State hockey season may not have gone how any of us were hoping, but that doesn't mean the excitement surrounding the program needs to end. The Spartans have already begun building off the momentum from their electric season by earning a commitment from transfer Nicklas Andrews last week. Now Adam Nighingale is keeping that momentum going by adding another huge piece to the roster from the transfer portal.

Charlie Stramel is the latest transfer to decide to take his talents to East Lansing. He is a forward who just wrapped up his sophomore season at Wisconsin. He has yet to really take off at the collegiate level, as he only scored three goals and recorded five assists this past season. As a freshman, he also racked up five goals and seven assists for the Badgers.

But even though his play hasn't been as good as you would expect, the potential is clearly there. Stramel was selected in the first round (21st overall) in last year's NHL draft by the Minnesota Wild. He also is a two-time World Junior player who has even played for Nightingale at the junior level in the past. Sometimes a change in scenery is exactly what a player needs to take off, so hopefully this move will do wonders for both him and Michigan State.

This addition brings the Spartans to 16 forwards on the roster for next season, and all but wraps up their moves in the transfer portal. Charlie likely will slide in on the second or third line, but he will have every chance to make an impact for MSU.

But let's not ignore the elite offseason that Michigan State is having so far. Their season ended only nine days ago and the Spartans already have two massive transfers committed to the program. The NCAA Frozen Four hasn't even taken place yet and Nightingale is already gearing up for next season. The excitment surrounding the MSU hockey program is only building, and I for one can't wait for the season to begin next year.