Gavin Burcar stays in WHL, declines NTDP invite before joining Michigan State

Gavin Burcar, a Michigan State hockey commit, has chosen to remain with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL rather than join the United States National Development Program. The decision precedes his expected entry to Michigan State in the 2027-28 season after a 2025-26 campaign where he played 63 games for the Chiefs. Burcar, a forward from Villa Park, California, was born in 2009 and will be eligible for the NHL Entry Draft in 2027. Other players have similarly opted out of the NTDP, indicating a trend among prospects.

• 1:25 AMYahoo Sports — Michigan State hockey commit declines NTDP invite, staying in WHL