Shane Vansaghi (RW, R, 6’2″, 212, Michigan State, 10/11/2006, Michigan State)
Shane Vansaghi is a physically mature, hard-driving power forward who projects as a potential NHL bottom-six winger. His game is built around north-south pace, heavy forechecking, physicality, and second-effort puck battles. While the offensive toolkit remains raw, there are flashes of potential tied to his net drive and puck protection. Vansaghi’s motor, strength, and ability to wear down opponents physically give him value as a role-specific draft pick. If his skill set develops further, there’s a real path to an NHL energy-line role with penalty kill utility.
Why Shane Vansaghi Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Physical Identity with Purpose
Vansaghi plays a true power-forward game and already brings an NHL-caliber frame at 6’2″, 212 lbs. He averaged 1.77 hits per game, showing he initiates contact and finishes his checks. His 50/50 puck battle participation (12 per game) is strong, and while the win rate (37%) is poor, it’s not uncommon for a true freshman in the NCAA. His willingness to engage physically in all zones is what separates him from other energy-line prospects.
2) Strong Net Drive and Interior Presence
His 1.64 Grade A scoring chances/game exceeds his shot volume, a rare stat line that shows a willingness to go to the hard scoring areas and generate quality over quantity. His 2 goal game versus Notre Dame — driving through the dot lane with a quick release and stuffing one in after winning a net-front battle — are microcosms of the potential in his game. He powers through contact and creates chaos at the crease.
3) Role Clarity and Team Value
Despite limited usage (11:57 TOI/game), Vansaghi was a +10 on one of the top teams in the NCAA. He played both special teams (1:11 PP / 0:47 PK), consistently executed his role, and did not look overwhelmed by NCAA pace or physicality. His shift-to-shift consistency and energy kept him in the lineup all season. He reads pressure well, angles defenders purposefully, and contributes in small-area battles, especially along the wall and on the forecheck.
4) Development Leverage
As a true freshman with a clear role and identity, he has three more NCAA seasons to continue developing his puck skills, offensive feel, and off-puck details. His 2.7 shot attempts/game and 30 PIMs show he’s engaged and not afraid to push the edge. With improvements to his first touch and release, there’s untapped bottom-six potential.
Why Shane Vansaghi Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Limited Offensive Ceiling
He posted 6 goals and 16 points in 37 games, and despite a few flashes of hard skill (rolling off contact to the crease, heavy net drives), his offensive game lacks pace, deception, and efficiency. His scoring chance percentage (9%) is below average considering the quality of his chances. His 0.64 pre-shot passes/game indicate he doesn’t facilitate often and struggles to create plays for others. With only 1.51 shots on goal per game, he isn’t a volume shooter either.
2) Poor Puck Management and Passing
Vansaghi’s 77% pass completion rate is well below acceptable for the NCAA level. For a player expected to play smart, low-risk hockey, this figure is concerning. His 4.8 giveaways/game to just 2 takeaways/game reflect that he loses more pucks than he wins — and without high-end skill, this is a red flag for transition reliability and in-zone play under pressure.
3) Struggles in Puck Battles Despite Size
The biggest statistical and visual concern is his 37% puck battle win rate, which does not match his frame or engagement level. He puts himself in the fight — 12 battles/game is elite participation — but he must get stronger in the legs, more controlled in leverage, and learn to win with stick and body positioning. If he can’t consistently win pucks, his projected role becomes more replaceable.
4) Ceiling vs. Floor Risk
While he checks boxes physically, Vansaghi may already be nearing his ceiling if skill growth doesn’t follow. His skating is powerful in a straight line, but there’s rigidity in his edges and lateral explosiveness, and limited agility reduces his ability to create separation off contact offensively or pressure opponents on the forecheck or when trying to get the puck back. In our opinion there’s a risk that he tops out as a solid NCAA forward who doesn’t transition beyond the AHL level.
Projection and Outlook
Player Projection: Bottom-six energy winger / fourth-line NHLer with special teams upside
Development Curve: Multi-year project — three more NCAA seasons will determine viability as an NHL role player
Draft Recommendation: 6th–7th Round Target
Vansaghi is a role-specific, late-round option who brings legitimate value as a physical, team-first, energy-line winger. The path to the NHL is narrow, but if his offensive touch improves even slightly and his puck battles tilt in his favor more consistently, he’s the kind of player coaches trust in late-game, heavy-shift playoff type situations. His size, skating base, and identity make him worthy of investment, especially as a potential bottom-six option with PK usage down the line.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images