Michigan State Hockey: Luca Di Pasquo transfer announcement hinted at Trey Augustine return

After the announcement earlier in the week that Austin Oravetz was entering the portal, Michigan State hockey received more portal news. The latest being that backup goaltender Luca Di Pasquo is entering the transfer portal.

Di Pasquo, a sophomore, thrived in net this season going undefeated in his seven games of action. He also on top of the seven wins posted a .945 save percentage and a pair of shutouts. Most Spartan fans were looking forward to seeing him take on a starting role next season, the portal had other plans.

This leaves a lot of questions for what will the state of the net be next season for the Spartans. It was previously assumed that Di Pasquo would become the starter next season for the Spartans, but plans change. This transfer left a number of potential scenarios for the Spartans going in to next season.

1. The return of Trey Augustine (since confirmed)

While it seemed very unlikely that the Red Wings draft pick would be returning for his junior season, this decision increased the odds. It could be that Di Pasquo did not want to play backup again, especially considering his play in net this season. One can’t blame Luca for wanting to make a name for himself somewhere where he is clearly the starter. No matter what, that wasn’t likely to happen at MSU.

The odds of Augustine returning and warning his roommate seemed like a long shot, but the move now makes sense. Currently in the Red Wings organization, there is a large goalie logjam, especially at the NHL level. It could be that General Manager Steve Yzerman believes that the best thing for Trey’s development is one more season in the NCAA before jumping to the AHL.

Trey also has unfinished business considering the way the season ended and it could involve one more crack at a national championship.

2. Melvin Strahl joining the team

The other likely scenario, and in my opinion before the Augustine news, the more likely one. If Augustine left, the net would’ve be wide open for Swedish goaltender and Columbus draft pick Melvin Strahl to take over the net. Strahl committed back in October to play in East Lansing. His commitment brought up a number of questions as to the plan for the future back in the fall. It seems very likely that he will be the starter next season, especially if Augustine left. That also may have been the plan and Di Pasquo just decided he didn’t want to continue as a backup. If all fairness to Luca, he has the numbers to back up the claim if this is indeed his reasoning.

Overall thoughts

It is unfortunate to lose Luca, he played exceptionally well for the Spartans. It is now clear though that he wants a fresh start where he will likely be guaranteed the starting job. Is it disappointing as a fan? It definitely is. Spartan Nation owes him a lot of gratitude for holding down the net while Trey was gone at the World Juniors. He deserves to have a starting job, and if that isn’t in East Lansing, he should chase it.

For the Spartans, this definitely creates more questions than answers them. This in no way though should be looked at as a death sentence though for the Spartans. Whatever happens, either of the likely goaltenders provide major upsides. Michigan State hockey now get a continuation of the Trey Augustine show, and then will usher in a highly rated goaltender to take over the reigns. At the end of the day, this will turn out good for both sides.

As Luca moves on, fans should give him the respect that he has earned for his time as a Spartan.