Mankato, Minn. --- Former Minnesota State defenseman Jake Livingstone (MSU 2020-23) made his National Hockey League debut tonight when he played for the Nashville Predators home game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
 
Last month, Livingstone signed a free-agent contract with the Predators following his three-year career at Minnesota State.
 
This past year, Livingstone, who was a First Team All-CCHA member and the league's Defenseman of the Year (an award he also won in 2022) tallied eight goals and 27 assists for 35 points.  Livingstone's 27 assists lead the team, while the 35 points was the second highest total on the team.  Additionally, Livingstone was a four-time CCHA Defenseman of the Week and was the league's Defenseman of the Month in October.
 
As a Maverick, Livingstone appeared in 111 games, scoring 21 goals and passed out 59 assists, for 80 career points.  Additionally, he blocked 129 shots, including a career-high 53 this season.  During his time as a Maverick, Livingstone was a part of teams that went 85-24-2, played on three MacNaughton Cup Championship teams, two Mason Cup championship teams, qualified for three NCAA Tournaments, two Frozen Fours and earned one trip to the national championship game. 


Livingstone is the 21^st former player from Minnesota State to play in the NHL. Besides Hirose, other former Minnesota State players to play in the NHL include Tim Jackman (MSU 2000-02), Ryan Carter (2004-06), Grant Stevenson (MSU 2001-03), David Backes (MSU 2003-06), Steve Wagner (MSU 2004-07), Jon Kalinski (MSU 2005-08), Travis Morin (MSU 2003-07), Tyler Pitlick (MSU 2009-10), Eriah Hayes (MSU 2009-13), Kael Mouillierat MSU 2006-10), Casey Nelson (MSU 2013-16), Daniel Brickley (MSU 2015-18), Teddy Blueger (MSU 2012-16), C.J. Suess (MSU 2014-18),  Connor Mackey (2017-20), Marc Michaelis (2016-20), Walker Duehr (2017-21) Nathan Smith (2019-22), Jaxson Stauber (2019-20) and Akito Hirose (2022-23).