‘Truly a dream come true’: Augustine agrees to three-year, entry-level deal with Red Wings

PHILADELPHIA -- Moving one step closer to living out a childhood dream of one day suiting up for his hometown NHL club, goalie prospect Trey Augustine put pen to paper on a three-year, entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m just super excited,” Augustine told DetroitRedWings.com on Tuesday evening. “I’ve been a Red Wings fan my entire life, and truly a dream come true. I’m super excited for the future and for many years to come here.”

A native of South Lyon, Mich., Augustine’s deal will begin with the 2026-27 season. As for the immediate future, the 21-year-old will report to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.

“I’m pumped,” Augustine said of joining the Griffins. “I’ve seen all the stuff about all the success they’ve been having this year. They’re a really great team. I know a bunch of the guys there, so I’m super excited to help them go on a long playoff run and do whatever I can to help the team win.”

Speaking of success, Augustine enjoyed plenty of it over the past three seasons (2023-26) at Michigan State University. In 99 appearances with the Spartans, Augustine compiled a 66-25-7 record with a 2.40 goals-against average, .922 save percentage and nine shutouts in 99 appearances in addition to helping the program win three straight Big Ten regular-season titles and a pair of Big Ten Tournament championships.

Augustine, when asked to reflect on his time in East Lansing, spoke warmly about the campus that helped shape him into the player and person he is today.

“I just love Michigan State so much,” Augustine said. “Everything about it has been perfect for me. The fans, the staff, my teammates – really just everyone involved made it such a special place. I’d say the biggest thing is the fan support, just very energetic. That always made it a joy to come to the rink and play in front of them. I had a great time and loved being a Spartan.”

Augustine saw growth in several areas of his game as a junior this season, posting a 24-9-1 record with a 2.11 GAA, .929 SV% and three shutouts in 34 games. Among his many postseason honors were being named Big Ten goaltender of the Year for the second consecutive season, First Team All-Big Ten, a top-10 finalist for the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award and a finalist for the 2026 Mike Richter Award.

“I think all around, I’ve gotten better in a lot of different aspects,” Augustine said. “For me, being able to get behind the net and play the puck has definitely been a focus point. Just getting more confident and comfortable, helping the team with breakouts and stuff like that have all really improved. Then obviously, my skating continues to get better which I’m going to need at the next level, for sure. Really going to be relying on all my habits and details that I’ve developed here.”

Augustine pointed to Spartans head coach Adam Nightingale as a major influence in helping him build the habits that he’ll keep using as he works to reach his ultimate goal.

“Nighty’s been the best,” Augustine said. “He’s always had a ton of belief in me, which is so important for the position. He’s also been very honest. He’s let me know when I need to be better and when I need to take steps forward. I think having someone like that in your corner really helps. He’s just been great and then, obviously, that entire staff…I’m super thankful that I’ve gotten to work with them for so long.”

Originally selected by the Red Wings in the second round (No. 41 overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Augustine anticipates there’s going to be some growing pains going from the NCAA to the AHL.  However, the 6-foot-1, 194-pound netminder has never been one to shy away from a challenge.

 “The AHL is tough and it’s going to be hard, but I’ve been preparing for this my entire life it seems,” Augustine said. “I’m going to be ready and going to do whatever I can to have success.”

And all of this wouldn’t have happened, according to Augustine, without his family’s support.

“I wouldn’t be here without my parents,” Augustine said. “So many sacrifices they’ve made for me. Really, it’s just an unpayable debt to them. I love them both so much. They’ve helped me so much, just thankful to have them as my parents.”