From East Lansing to the NHL: Spartan hockey players sign entry-level contracts

With the season ending in heartbreaking fashion — a 4-3 loss to Cornell in the NCAA Ice Hockey Regionals, decided in the final 10 seconds on a power-play rebound by Sullivan Mack — the Michigan State University hockey team now turns its attention to a wave of player departures as several stars sign NHL entry-level contracts.

Junior forward Karsen Dorwart was the first to make the jump, signing a two-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers just two days after the Spartans’ season ended. Since then, more players have joined the list of departures.

Joey Larson

Junior forward Joey Larson has signed a one-year NHL entry-level contract with the New York Islanders, set to begin during the 2025-26 season.

Larson transferred to Michigan State after his freshman year at Northern where he put up 13 goals and 14 assists. He was also named to the CCHA All-Rookie team and was on the watchlist for the Tim Taylor Rookie of the Year. 

The Brighton, Michigan, native entered the transfer portal after his freshman year and never looked back. He established himself as a key forward and Big Ten standout, finishing ninth in the conference in scoring with 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors that season.

Larson started his junior year with a goal against a former opponent of his at NU against Lake Superior State University. While he did not surpass his sophomore year points, scoring 10 goals and 14 assists through his junior season, the forward became more powerful on the ice and developed greatly. 

David Gucciardi

Senior defenseman David Gucciardi, a four-year Spartan, signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals — the team that drafted him in the seventh round of the 2022 NHL Draft. He will finish the remainder of this season on an amateur tryout contract with the Capitals’ AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears.

Gucciardi is coming off his best collegiate season, finishing with six goals and 12 assists. Known for his smooth skating and physical presence on the backcheck, the senior emerged as a leader on a young MSU blue line.

Gucciardi witnessed the highs and lows of Spartan hockey — from coaching changes to roster turnover and decommitments — but stayed committed to the program. Under head coach Adam Nightingale, the 22-year-old flourished. He wrapped up his career at MSU with 48 points, two Big Ten regular season titles and two Big Ten Tournament championships.