Michigan State hockey forward Nicolas Muller inks pro contract in Switzerland
By Kaleb Kraus
Following an outstanding fifth-year campaign for Nicolas Muller and Michigan State Hockey, the Switzerland native has signed a professional contract with EHC Biel-Bienne.
Nicolas Muller gave his blood, sweat and tears for five years in the green and white, and it has certainly paid off.
Muller who returned for his fifth season in 2023-24 was gifted with long awaited success. He was a key cog in the lineup that took Michigan State to its highest highs in hockey in many years.
Despite falling one game shy of the Frozen Four, the Spartans were able to win both the Big Ten regular-season title outright by beating rival Michigan but also beat the Wolverines in the Big Ten Tournament title game as well.
It's safe to say MSU Hockey is back, and Muller staying for that extra year was worth it. He was able to tally seven goals and 22 assists finishing with 29 points for the season. He saved some of his best moments for his final games in a Spartan uniform as he nabbed two points in key moments against Michigan in both the Big Ten title game, and then grabbed his last assist against the Wolverines in the regional final loss in the NCAA Tournament.
After the long five years, Muller was the first member of the team to bag a pro contract. He will return to his home country of Switzerland. He joins Biel-Bienne in Switzerland's top league, the National League, according to Owen Oszust from WILX News 10 in Lansing.
A great opportunity for a faithful and hardworking forward, who served as an alternate captain for the Spartans this season. Muller was also named a Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner this season. He was reliable on ice time as well, playing in all 38 games this season. That's a big part of hockey, can a player be durable, and can they handle the grind of the game as a pro, no matter where they play.
Muller proved that, and it's a great opportunity for him to move forward in the sport he loves.
His contributions won't be forgotten, as he was one of the few that stuck out the failed Danton Cole era, and why head coach Adam Nightingale has been able to rebuild the program so quickly.