Shane Vansaghi
| RW | Michigan State Univ. (Big 10) | 6-2 | 216 lbs |
Skating:
Straight Line Skating:
Shane Vansaghi’s straight-line skating requires some improvement for his long-term NHL potential, but he can still generate some speed. His relentless motor, physicality and athletic ability often compensate for his mechanical inefficiencies at the college level, but this could limit his overall impact moving on to the next level. Vansaghi’s acceleration is inconsistent and lacks the explosiveness needed to gain separation from defenders or to adjust rapidly on the backcheck. Mechanically, Vansaghi’s stride is a concern. His upright posture and limited knee bend hinder his ability to generate power and maintain balance. His strides are often short and uneven, lacking full extension and proper weight transfer, which reduces his ability to build momentum effectively. His recovery phase is also problematic, with his strides frequently veering outside his midline, resulting in a loss of stability and energy. The inefficiencies in Vansaghi’s straight-line skating often force him to rely on frequency of strides rather than technique to maintain his presence on the ice. While his work rate and intelligence often mitigate these weaknesses, improvements in stride mechanics, posture, and hip movement are crucial for unlocking his full potential. Developing a more explosive first step could help Vansaghi’s game significantly, enabling him to complement his hard-skill advantages with improved pace and agility.
Vansaghi had a decent tracked top end speed considering skating is not a relative competitive advantage for him (52nd percentile among all players in my 4 year dataset) in the 3 NCAA games I tracked of him this season. I should also mention that my dataset may be a skewed sample due to my tendency to want to track faster players.
Lateral Skating:
Shane Vansaghi’s lateral skating and agility is also an area of concern but he does showcase moments of potential. Like his straight line skating, his stride mechanics are upright and heavy, limiting his ability to make quick lateral adjustments or accelerate efficiently. His edgework is inconsistent, with an over-reliance on his inside edges, which restricts his ability to change directions quickly or maintain balance during cutbacks. Vansaghi’s foot placement often flails under pressure, making tight turns and quick movements more challenging.
Despite these mechanical inefficiencies, Vansaghi occasionally demonstrates flashes of lateral handling ability, using weight shifts to create space against defenders. His physical strength helps him power through contact even when his footwork falters, but the lack of stability in his edgework prevents him from fully leveraging his size in lateral battles. Improving his agility and transitions will be crucial for unlocking his ability to adjust to dynamic NHL play. I have faith that Vansaghi’s skating as a whole will not hold him back from being an NHLer, but work in this area could significantly raise his ceiling as a player.
Skills:
Physicality
Vansaghi’s competitiveness is one of the defining aspects of his game and a major reason why he can project so easily despite his skating. His relentless motor and physicality make him an absolute handful for opponents to deal with, both on and off the puck. Among all Big 10 forwards who have played at least 10 games, Vansaghi ranks in the 95th percentile in hits per 60 minutes, a testament to his willingness to engage physically and his consistent ability to disrupt opponents. He hits very hard, crushing puck carriers and forcing hurried decisions that often result in turnovers. His physical dominance is a hallmark of his forechecking game, making him a force down low and along the boards.
What makes Vansaghi’s physical play even more impressive is how it complements his ability to pressure opponents in puck battles. He ranks in the 90th percentile of all NCAA Division I forwards in puck battles per 60, highlighting both his ability and commitment to consistently engage and win these hard-fought situations. Vansaghi thrives in the gritty areas of the ice, driving play by disrupting breakouts, forcing possession changes, and extending offensive zone pressure. This competitive fire and determination are exactly what coaches look for in a bottom-six forward who can set the tone for a line. Vansaghi’s ability to turn effort into results is further emphasized by his forechecking success. He ranks in the 88th percentile of all NCAA Division I forwards in offensive zone turnovers forced per 60, a direct result of his aggressive, relentless style. Whether it’s sealing off defenders, intercepting passes, or tracking down puck carriers, Vansaghi consistently pressures opponents into mistakes and creates opportunities for his team. This skill set makes him one of the most effective forecheckers in his peer group, with NHL-level tools that could translate seamlessly to higher levels of competition.
Consistency is another factor that sets Vansaghi apart. Night after night, regardless of his ice time, Vansaghi brings the same relentless effort, physicality, and attention to detail. His energy level never wavers, whether he’s delivering hits, battling for pucks, or pressuring opponents into turnovers. Vansaghi’s competitiveness is not just an asset—it’s the engine that drives his entire game.
Puck Protection
Shane Vansaghi tries to do a lot with the puck, which reflects the high-paced style he plays, but it isn’t always successful. Where Vansaghi excels, however, is in puck protection. This skill is particularly effective on the rush, as well as when coming off the boards and looking towards the strong-side dot. Considering how often Vansaghi has the puck on his stick, this ability becomes even more critical to his game. He ranks in the 87th percentile of all NCAA D1 forwards (minimum 10 games played) in puck touches per 60 and in the 79th percentile in average time of possession per puck touch at even strength, which speaks to his skills in puck protection.
Vansaghi attempts to do a lot with the puck, ranking in the 93rd percentile among NCAA D1 forwards in dekes attempted per 60 minutes (minimum 10 games played). However, his deke success rate is a relatively pedestrian deke success rate, placing him in the 26th percentile among the same group. This disparity shows up in his game; while he’s unafraid to challenge defenders, he often struggles to execute these moves effectively. Focusing on his strengths in puck protection could be key to his development. Vansaghi’s puck protection posture is good and he has the physical tools for it. He leans his shoulder and knee forward into the defender, creating a physical barrier between their stick and the puck. His upper body strength forces opponents into situations where they must take a penalty to knock him off balance.
His ability to maintain possession under pressure makes him an asset, even when his handling lacks finesse. By simplifying his game and emphasizing puck protection, Vansaghi can better utilize his physical tools to create opportunities for himself and his teammates, ensuring he remains an impactful presence on the ice.
Controlling the Dot
Shane Vanshagi’s offensive zone impact is amplified by his style of play, it allows him to control possession and dictate the pace of play down low, letting his team control the strong side dot and set up a cycle. His ability to gain inside positioning and dominate net-front battles makes him a consistent threat in high-danger areas. Vanshagi thrives in the home plate area, with 20% of his total shot attempts this season coming from deflections, rebounds or in very close range to the goal. This reflects his knack for reading defensive coverage and maneuvering into the most valuable spaces on the ice. He’s in the 83rd percentile among Big Ten forwards (minimum 10 games played) in expected goals per shot, highlighting his efficiency in generating high-quality chances. Additionally, Vanshagi ranks in the 94th percentile in even-strength scoring chances per 60, showcasing his ability to repeatedly create opportunities during 5-on-5 play. His combination of awareness, timing, and a wide frame makes him effective in protecting the puck along the boards and in sustaining offensive pressure.
Vanshagi’s physicality complements his directness in his style of play, as he uses his strength to win battles along the wall, shield defenders, and set up or extend the cycle. His ability to absorb contact while keeping his feet moving allows him to open up passing lanes and create space for teammates. Whether it’s setting a screen, tipping shots, or spinning off checks to maintain possession, Vanshagi consistently disrupts defensive structures and keeps plays alive. His physical tools and hockey IQ make him a key contributor in driving offensive zone success, even with his skating limitations, this is translatable hockey.
Shot
While his skating mechanics often limit his ability to create his own shots from high-danger areas, his relentless motor and physicality compensate by enabling him to establish net-front presence and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. His aforementioned ability to protect the puck in tight spaces and transition seamlessly from puck retrieval to shooting sets him apart, particularly in scrappy, high-pressure situations where space is at a premium.
One of the most notable aspects of Vansaghi’s shooting mechanics is his strength. His wide frame and excellent posture provide a stable base for generating power. He leverages his lower body effectively, which allows him to load up hard, accurate shots despite his upright skating style. His ability to shield the puck and maintain balance under physical duress is exceptional, giving him extra time to adjust his shooting angle or release point. While his mechanics lack the fluidity of some of his peers, Vansaghi compensates with sheer determination and brute force. When positioned in the slot, his shot often comes off as a quick, compact release that catches goalies off guard, especially on deflections and rebounds.
In transition, Vansaghi’s shot shows flashes of creativity. Despite his skating limitations, he can make deceptive plays, like cutting inside to change his shooting angle or releasing a quick wrister off the boards. His shot arsenal includes a mix of outside-leg wristers, net-front tips, and one-timers. Vansaghi’s ability to adapt to different situations and keep defenders guessing adds an element of unpredictability to his game. His knee-down snapshot from the right-hand circle, a move he’s used effectively, demonstrates his knack for finding shooting lanes even under pressure. However, Vansaghi’s shot creation remains a significant area for improvement. He ranks in the 32nd percentile among Big Ten forwards (minimum 10 games played) in shot attempts per 60 minutes and in the 47th percentile for shot attempts per puck touch. These metrics highlight his struggles to generate volume, often relying on linemates or rebounds to set up his scoring chances. Additionally, Vansaghi’s outer slot shots per 60 rank in the 92nd percentile, which highlights the impact of his skating on his ability to create high-danger opportunities. If he can improve his footwork and develop better separation from defenders, he could unlock a new dimension in his offensive game.
Vansaghi’s physicality and determination make him a unique offensive weapon. He excels at net-front play, screening goalies, tipping pucks, and burying rebounds. If he can refine his skating and improve his ability to create shots from more dangerous areas, he has the potential to be an effective power forward at the NHL level. While his shot is not yet his defining trait, it’s an area with significant upside, and continued development could make it a central part of his game.
Perception:
Tactical Recognitions
The Michigan State Spartans are having a great season, the number 1 ranked team in the nation has a 13-2-1 record. As a freshman, Vanshagi has still managed to be productive despite a 4th line role. He averages 12:05 per game so far this season and has found some limited appearances on the powerplay and penalty kill. On a team as good and as deep as the Spartans, a 4th line role should in no way be held against him.The fourth line he plays on usually consists of Mike DeAngelo and Griffin Jurecki, coach Adam Nightingale trusts the line in all situations and they have proved their worth, providing them with some of the best underlying numbers among all lines for the Spartans. Michigan State is top 2 in almost every offensive category in the big 10 including goals, expected goals and scoring chances and this certainly helps Vanshagi both in his production and his development. It has certainly helped in his growth as a player to be surrounded by high end talent on a day to day basis.
The Spartans play a fast, physical, more direct style of play that focuses on creating counter attack chances, in which they lead the big 10 on a per game basis. The skill level of their players allows them to play at faster pace and carry a lot of their speed through the neutral zone.
Speed Perception
Vanshagi’s game isn’t built on have a high level of speed perception but to succeed at the next level he is going to need to improve his scanning habits. Vansaghi’s style now is both punishing and effective, characterized by his ability to win puck battles, win on the forecheck, and disrupt plays with physicality. Despite concerns about his skating mechanics, which currently lack efficiency and acceleration, Vansaghi consistently finds ways to impact the game with his tenacity and hockey IQ. His ability to get inside position, retrieve pucks, and create space for teammates makes him a valuable asset. Offensively, Vansaghi blends a power-forward mentality with moments of finesse. He shows the ability to absorb contact, extend cycles, and create plays through his vision and puck protection skills. His knack for slipping passes, anticipating plays, and taking the middle of the ice against defenders adds layers to his game. While his handling ability isn’t elite, he can execute in tight spaces and under pressure, showcasing dynamic elements that elevate his profile. His shooting, net-front presence, and ability to generate chaos in the offensive zone are NHL projectable traits. Defensively, Vansaghi’s game is less refined, but his effort level and physicality compensate for some shortcomings. He pressures puck carriers, seals lanes, and engages in battles with an intensity that disrupts opposing setups. However, his limited edge work and agility make him prone to overshooting checks and struggling against more dynamic attackers. These flaws underline the importance of improving his skating, which remains a critical area of focus in his development.
Vansaghi plays a translatable game, and while his skating is a concern, it isn’t a dealbreaker. With proper development, he has the potential to become an effective middle-six winger, combining his hard-skill advantages with emerging offensive tools. Teams should consider him anywhere between 20th and 30th overall in the draft, particularly if they value rugged, high-motor players with the upside to complement scoring lines or anchor a forechecking unit.
Finlay Sherratt
December 2024