ST. PAUL, Minn - There was a lot of controversy when the Minnesota Wild selected Charlie Stramel with the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

He was once a projected first round pick but his freshman season at Wisconsin did not go as planned which had him sliding out of the first round according to some "draft experts."

That did not stop the Wild when they selected the Minnesota native in the first round. His second year at Wisconsin also wasn't very good and Wild fans were concerned considering a forward who was taken after Stramel had been torching the NCAA (Gabe Perreault).

After two seasons with Wisconsin, Stramel transferred to Michigan State to play for his former coach Adam Nightingale.

What a decision that was.

Since the switch Stramel has broken out. He recorded nine goals and 27 points in 37 games for the Spartans as a junior. He had just a combined eight goals and 20 points in 67 games for Wisconsin in two seasons.

This year he has six goals, 12 assists and 18 points in 16 games. He is on pace for over 13 goals, 25 assists and 38 points this year for his Senior year.

It is safe to say that Stramel is igniting Michigan State's offense, eclipsing his previous production and surprising doubters with a breakout Senior season.

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