Calling it a bad 24 hours for Michigan State hockey would be an understatement.
The Spartans just got hit with a double gut punch — and its national title hopes may have taken a serious step back because of it.
On top of top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna choosing Penn State over Michigan State, one of the leaders of the 2024 team won’t be returning to campus. It’s hard to blame McKenna, a reported $700,000 NIL deal is hard for an 18-year-old to turn down, especially when a number of that caliber is unheard of in college hockey.
For a player projected to be the top NHL draft pick, that kind of money talks, even if MSU’s roster would have provided him with a better opportunity to win a national title.
Then came the dagger.
Former MSU star will be teammates with Connor McDavid
Isaac Howard, the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner, won’t be returning to East Lansing after all. The star forward had previously indicated he planned to return for another season, but Howard is going to begin his NHL career after getting traded to the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night.
The 21-year-old was a first round pick in 2022 by the Lightning and transferred to MSU after a season with Minnesota. As a junior, he recorded 26 goals and 52 points after leading Sparty to their second consecutive Big Ten championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
Losing McKenna stings. Losing Howard? That’s a body blow.
But fear not, Spartan fans, this program is far from falling apart
Michigan State still boasts one of the top incoming recruiting classes in the country. Head coach Adam Nightingale brought in a strong mix of freshmen and transfers, including St. Cloud State transfer Colin Ralph, Cayden Lindstrom, Eric Nilson, and Predators first-rounder Ryker Lee.
And Blackhawks draftee Mason West, one of the most skilled players of his class, is still headed to campus in 2026.
Add in the return of one of the Big Ten’s best netminders, Trey Augustine, for his junior season, and the Spartans will remain competitive despite the losses. Same with Charlie Stramel coming back.
Yes, the past week hurt. So does the loss to Cornell But MSU hockey isn’t going anywhere. This program has built a foundation — and despite the setbacks, it's still positioned to be a national contender for years to come.