Lukashevich made the jump to the NCAA this past season and it did not go as well as one would have hoped. He struggled to stay healthy throughout the year and often found himself buried in the Michigan State Spartans’ bottom pair when he was healthy. His production was far from ideal, posting only seven points in 29 games, but considering what he dealt with, it could have been much worse. Next year he is transferring from Michigan State to Miami University, the one in Ohio, a program which has produced solid NHL talents like Jack Roslovic, Blake Coleman, Alec Martinez, and Kiefer Sherwood. Lukashevich will have far more opportunity to show what made him one of the best defensemen in the USHL just two years ago. He has the tools to become an NHL defenseman but needs put it together and he could certainly do so in Miami. This will be a make or break year for him.

Going from the USHL to the NCAA is a sizeable jump for any prospect. Very few make it look seamless in all facets of the game. While Lukashevich’s offense has not translated as well to the NCAA, notching just two assists in 10 games, his ability to control a game through his skating, puck-moving, and defense has been just as effective. With Michigan State, Lukashevich has been a bottom-four defenseman this year and has looked like an efficient NCAA defender. Unfortunately, Lukashevich has been out for over a month with an injury. Hopefully, he will return soon and earn promotions throughout the year. As it stands, he will need to marinate in the NCAA for a few more seasons, but by the end of his tenure at MSU, he should be competing for an NHL job if all goes well.

Lukashevich came to North America after playing in the Russian junior system for four years. With the Tri-City Storm of the USHL, Lukashevich scored 43 points in 54 games, going for third amongst all USHL defensemen in scoring. He had never produced anything like this in the Russian MHL. This is a telling sign of Lukashevich’s playstyle, which is far better suited for North American ice. Lukashevich will be making the jump to NCAA hockey next year at Michigan State, where he will look to continue to develop his game and maintain his scoring prowess against tougher competition. His offensive skillset could place him on MSU’s top powerplay unit in the wake of Artyom Levshunov’s (CHI) absence, and he should at least be allocated a second powerplay unit time. There is still a bit of a way away for Lukashevich, but if he can build off his strong 2023-24 season, he will be on a trajectory to make the NHL one day.