Joshua Ravensbergen Commits to Michigan State, Signaling Trey Augustine's Likely Jump to the Red Wings
The San Jose Sharks may have just seen one of their top goaltending prospects lock in his college plans - and it could tell us a lot about what’s coming next for the Detroit Red Wings.
Joshua Ravensbergen, the 6-foot-5 netminder the Sharks grabbed with the 30th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has committed to play for Michigan State starting in the 2026-27 season. That decision, on the surface, might just look like a top prospect choosing a top program. But beneath it, there’s a strong implication that MSU’s current starter, Trey Augustine, is preparing to make the leap to the pros after this season.
Here’s why that matters: when Augustine opted to return for his junior year, there were quiet concerns in Red Wings circles that he might stick around for all four years - a move that would give him the option to hit unrestricted free agency in 2027. That’s a scenario no NHL team wants with a prized goalie prospect.
But Ravensbergen’s commitment suggests that door is closing. It’s hard to imagine a blue-chip recruit like him tying himself to MSU if Augustine were planning to stay another season.
If Augustine does sign with Detroit after the Spartans wrap their season, the next step would likely be a stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Wings’ AHL affiliate. That would add yet another layer to an already intriguing goaltending pipeline.
Grand Rapids already houses Sebastian Cossa - Detroit’s first-rounder from 2021 - and Czech standout Michal Postava. Adding Augustine to that mix would give the Red Wings three legit goaltending prospects developing under one roof, each with their own timeline, upside, and playing style.
Kane Keeps Climbing the All-Time Ranks
While the Wings were licking their wounds after a tough loss to the Kings on Tuesday night, Patrick Kane quietly etched his name into the history books - again.
With an assist in the game, Kane tied Mike Modano for the most points ever recorded by a U.S.-born NHL player. That’s a monumental milestone, even if the mood in the locker room didn’t lend itself to celebration. But Kane wasn’t done there.
He also picked up career assist No. 874, nudging past Phil Esposito (873) for sole possession of 24th place on the NHL’s all-time assists list. He’s now just four helpers away from tying Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom (878) for 23rd.
Since making his debut with Detroit on November 22 against Columbus, Kane has been nothing short of impactful. In 27 games, he’s racked up 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) and holds a plus-eight rating. At age 37, he’s still showing elite playmaking instincts and the kind of vision that makes him dangerous every time he’s on the ice.
Red Wings Looking for a Response
Tuesday’s loss to the Kings was a setback, no doubt. But if there’s one thing this Red Wings team has shown under Derek Lalonde, it’s resilience. They’ve bounced back before - and they’ll need to do it again as the playoff race tightens.
One player to keep an eye on? Emmitt Finnie. The young forward has shown flashes this season, and if he can rediscover his scoring touch, it could be a timely boost for a team looking for secondary scoring.
For now, all eyes are on Augustine’s next move - and what it could mean for the Red Wings’ future in net. If he turns pro this spring, Detroit’s goaltending picture becomes even more fascinating.
If not, well, Ravensbergen might be stepping into a starting role in East Lansing sooner than expected. Either way, the pipeline is filling up - and that’s a good problem to have.