Michigan State hockey lands first-round NHL draft pick in transfer portal

Michigan State hockey just got stronger on Monday as it landed first-round NHL draft pick Charlie Stramel from the portal.

An incredible season for Michigan State hockey came to a disappointing end last weekend as the Spartans lost to Michigan in the regional final of the NCAA Tournament. Missing out on the Frozen Four by a single game after winning the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles was a disappointment, but no one is looking down on the season the Spartans had.

In fact, Michigan State won its first NCAA Tournament game in over a decade as well as its first Big Ten title in program history.

Adam Nightingale has the program not only back on the map but near the top of the sport. And he’s continuing to stockpile talent. He has one of the country’s top NHL draft prospects likely coming back next year along with one of the best goalies in the nation. And he added yet another professional talent on Monday in the form of Wisconsin forward transfer Charlie Stramel.

Michigan State hockey lands a portal commitment from Wisconsin transfer forward Charlie Stramel.

Taken 21st overall in last year’s NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild. Two-time World Junior player. Played for Nightingale at the NTDP. Big talent that needed a change of scenery.

— Nathaniel Bott (@Nathaniel_Bott) April 8, 2024

Stramel, a native of Minnesota, decided to hit the portal and he chose Nightingale and the Spartans. He was the No. 21 overall pick in last year’s NHL draft and he’s a two-time World Junior player so he’s been on the big stage and he’s excelled. While he didn’t put up huge numbers for Big Ten title-contending Wisconsin, he has a lot of potential. Clearly the Minnesota Wild think he’s an elite talent because they spent a first-round pick on him.

In two years with the Badgers, he recorded 20 points on eight goals and 12 assists. He’s going to thrive in East Lansing.

The rich keep getting richer as Nightingale has Michigan State hockey reloading for 2024-25. This team should be a Frozen Four contender yet again and it’ll likely take that next step with all of these pros on the ice.