Detroit City Wire

Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect Trey Augustine has decided to return to Michigan State University for his junior year in the 2025-26 season. Augustine discussed his decision during the Red Wings’ 2025 Development Camp in July, stating that staying in college would benefit his development.

“I didn’t feel there was a wrong answer,” Augustine said. “Just kind of what worked best for me and my career. Obviously, I still need to get stronger on and off the ice. I think staying in college gives me a little bit of a better opportunity to develop my body and get ready for the professional game.”

In his sophomore season, Augustine recorded a 19-7-4 record with a 2.08 goals-against average, .924 save percentage, and three shutouts over 30 games, contributing to Michigan State’s second straight Big Ten title.

“It was a good year,” Augustine said. “Obviously, ended on a negative note and there’s still something to prove there. I want to go back and win a national championship. There were a lot of good things that happened throughout the year. In the moment, it’s kind of hard to realize those good things but I got better as a hockey player and as a person. I’m looking to do that again next year.”

Augustine earned several honors during the 2024-25 season, including Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, First Team All-Big Ten selection, inclusion on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team, recognition as an AHCA First Team All-American, finalist status for both the Richter Award (top Division I men’s ice hockey goalie) and AAU Sullivan Award (top amateur athlete in the U.S.). He also helped lead Team USA to gold at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa and became Team USA's all-time winningest goalie at this tournament.

When asked about his progress so far, Augustine noted that statistics only tell part of his story.

“I think it’s very hard to look at it from a numbers point of view,” Augustine said. “For me, it’s just more internal – how I feel with everything. Like, right away, I know if something went wrong. Just being able to realize that thing on the fly and grade myself from my own point of view.”

He emphasized mental strength as crucial for success as a goaltender.

“It’s more focused on after a negative -- how do you respond? But the same thing happens after a positive – you make a big save, but if they have another good chance you have to be focused again,” Augustine said. “Whether something goes wrong or right, for me, it doesn’t really matter. It’s the same approach. I have to be ready for the next shot and opportunity where I can have a positive impact on the game.”

Kris Draper, Red Wings Assistant Manager and Director of Amateur Scouting, commented last month on Michigan State's program under head coach Adam Nightingale.

“Michigan State has a great program,” Draper said. “[Spartans head coach Adam Nightingale] does a really good job there. Obviously, I got to know those guys very well. I like their program and with Trey going back, that obviously solidifies their team in net for sure…It’s going to be very competitive. It’s good for Trey…Maybe he’s got some unfinished business there with that club, so we’ll continue to watch and help him, and look forward to Trey becoming a pro.”