Former Michigan State, Penguins Players Sign Professional Hockey Deals Europe

Several former Michigan State athletes are advancing in their professional sports careers. Mark 'Rocket' Watts, known for his time with Michigan State basketball, has signed a contract to play in Slovakia with BK Ikra Syit. Tanner Kelly, a veteran forward from Michigan State hockey, has signed with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL for the 2025-26 season, bringing versatility as a center or winger. In hockey, Daniel Sprong, a former Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick with extensive NHL experience, signed a one-year deal with CSKA Moscow in the KHL, continuing his professional career abroad. Additionally, former Penguins goaltender Maxim Lagace has signed with the Graz 99ers of the ICEHL in Austria after a stint in the Swedish Hockey League, where he recorded a notable NHL shutout for Pittsburgh in his debut. These developments highlight the diverse paths Michigan State athletes and former Penguins players are taking in professional sports internationally and domestically.