Michigan State Star Signs ATO with San Diego Gulls

Matt Basgall joins AHL affiliate of Anaheim Ducks on amateur tryout contract

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:48am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows, conceptually representing the dynamic motion of a hockey player.A cubist interpretation of a hockey player's dynamic movement captures the energy and potential of Matt Basgall's transition to the professional ranks.San Diego Today

Michigan State hockey captain and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Matt Basgall has signed an amateur tryout (ATO) contract with the San Diego Gulls, the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. The ATO allows Basgall to play professionally without losing his amateur status as he looks to earn a three-year entry-level contract with the Ducks organization.

Why it matters

Basgall's signing with the Gulls represents an important step in his professional hockey career after a standout college tenure. The ATO gives him a chance to showcase his skills at the pro level and potentially earn a long-term deal with the Ducks, one of the NHL's up-and-coming franchises.

The details

Basgall, who served as captain of the Michigan State hockey team, was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after his standout senior season. The ATO contract allows him to join the Gulls and gain valuable experience at the AHL level as he looks to transition to the pro game.

  • Basgall's Michigan State career came to an end in 2026.
  • He signed the ATO contract with the Gulls on April 3, 2026.

The players

Matt Basgall

A former captain and defensive standout for the Michigan State hockey team, Basgall has now signed an amateur tryout contract with the AHL's San Diego Gulls.

San Diego Gulls

The AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, the Gulls provide a pathway to the NHL for top prospects like Basgall.

Anaheim Ducks

The NHL franchise that owns the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks are hoping Basgall can earn a long-term contract and develop into a contributor at the highest level.

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What they’re saying

“This is an exciting opportunity for me to take the next step in my hockey career. I'm grateful to the Gulls organization for giving me this chance, and I'm eager to prove myself at the professional level.”

— Matt Basgall

What’s next

Basgall will look to impress the Gulls coaching staff during his ATO stint, with the goal of earning a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks organization.

The takeaway

Basgall's signing with the Gulls represents an important milestone for the talented defenseman, who now has a chance to showcase his skills at the professional level and potentially earn a long-term deal with the Ducks, one of the NHL's most promising young franchises.