After a breakout year in the USHL, Vladislav Lukasevic is moving to the NCAA and joining the Michigan State University hockey team.
The Michigan State University hockey team has a new commitment as defenseman Vladislav Lukasievich recently announced he will be transferring from the USHL to the NCAA. Lukasievich had a breakout season last year with the Tri-City Storm.
A fourth-round pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, he will be tasked with filling the gaps left by Artyom Refshunov and Nash Nienhuis.
Who is Vladislav Lukashevich?
Lukasevich, as mentioned above, is a fourth-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2021. Since being drafted, he has spent time in both the MHL (Russia's second-tier hockey league) and the USHL (American junior league) last season. Lukasevich really made a name for himself when he moved to North America last year. His season with Tri-City last year was significantly better than his performance in Russia. He finished the season with 11 goals, 32 assists, and 43 points in total. It will be interesting to see how these numbers translate in the NCAA.
https://twitter.com/USHL/status/1713332912316137519
As a player, Lukasiewicz is considered a defenseman who excels at moving the puck. Coming into his draft year, moving the puck was considered his best asset. And at 6'2″, he can also put his body on the line and attack. These are all traits Adam Nightingale needs to maintain his defensive performance from last season.
Now, at 21 years old, it may be a bit difficult for Lukasievich to make it to the NHL, but having a draft pick on your team is never a bad thing. If pro teams see something in these players, it's definitely a plus. I expect Lukasievich will likely be the second or third defenseman pairing behind David Gucciardi and Patrick Geary. All three play left wing and should provide strong defense on that side.
It will be exciting to watch this offensive defenseman make a name for himself in East Lansing next year.
