Shaugabay had a solid freshman season with Minnesota-Duluth, posting 26 points in 36 games, which is not bad at all for the undersized forward. His natural playmaking and stickhandling are still on display in the NCAA. The trend is the same: he needs to improve his skating and ability to handle physical play if he wants a real shot at the NHL. He is likely another two or three years away in the NCAA before making the jump to the pros.

Shaugabay has had no problem translating his game to the NCAA level. He has made progress in his goalscoring abilities and his playmaking is still really solid. Shaugabay will very likely continue developing in the NCAA for another two years. His early signs so far are promising even if making it all the way to the NHL still seems unlikely.

Drafted 115th overall in the fourth round in 2023 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Shaugabay is a skilled yet undersized forward. His standout feature is his borderline elite hands and impressive playmaking skills. Shaugabay is foremost a playmaker who likes to be on the outside, looking to feed passes into the middle for dangerous shots. Agile on his feet, Shaugabay can create separation with quick moves, pivots, and fakes. He has a capable shot, yet he doesn’t use it very often; he has the accuracy to keep goalies honest. Shaugabay’s biggest weakness is his size. He can’t play physically at only 5-9, limiting his entire game. He is willing to get physical, even if the success rate could be better. The skills for a playmaking top-six wing are here, but Shaugabay has an uphill battle to make the Lightning, and he either makes it as a top-six wing or doesn’t make it at all.