Will Augustine & Levshunov Return To MSU Hockey?
The title is the burning question for Michigan State Hockey as the NHL Entry Draft approaches (June 28-29).
MSU Hockey is coming off their most successful season in more than a decade. They won the Big Ten regular season title and then won the Big Ten Tournament title with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory over Michigan at Munn Ice Arena back in March. And they finished with a 25-10-3 record.
But they ended the season on a sour note, losing to arch-rival Michigan 5-2 in the NCAA Tournament regional finals back on March 31st.
Now, the Spartans are waiting (and waiting) to see if freshman goalie Trey Augustine and freshman defenseman Artyom Levshunov will leave MSU and head to the National Hockey League.
Augustine was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings last year in the second round of the Entry Draft, but decided to play last season at MSU. And he starred, winning the Most Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament. He played in 35 games, garnering a 23-9-2 record and a 2.96 goals against average.
As for Levshunov, a native of Belarus, was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year as well as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He had 9 goals and 26 assists last season for the Spartans. He is draft-eligible this season, and is expected to go high in the first round. Maybe as high as second overall to the Chicago Blackhawks.
In my opinion, Levshunov is more likely to leave MSU than Augustine is. It is hard to find top level defensemen in the draft. And if he goes in the top five of the first round (which is expected), I expect him to go to the pros.
As for Augustine, I think it is less likely he leaves. Simply because of the Red Wings goalie situation. You have Ville Husso and Alex Lyon signed for next season. And you have top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa in Grand Rapids. Cosaa could join the Red Wings in the fall. Which is better for Augustine? A year in the minor leagues (either in GR or in Toledo)? Or playing in East Lansing for MSU for his sophomore season, and then join the Red Wings in the fall of 2025?
That's just my opinion, what do you think? Let us know in the comments!!