The Pittsburgh Penguins selected forward Liam Ruck with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The event took place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, June 26, 2026.
>>> Red Wings Weigh Goaltending Shift: Postava as Backup, Cossa Trade Rumors
Ruck, an 18-year-old from British Columbia, plays for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.
He recorded 45 goals and 59 assists in 68 games last season.
Since joining the Tigers for the 2023-24 season, he has totaled 71 goals and 76 assists in 132 games.
Scouting Report and Team Moves
ESPN evaluated the selection, highlighting Ruck's offensive skills and hockey intelligence.
"With high-end hockey IQ, he is a versatile offensive player who can score at the net front and fire passes to shooters in space," ESPN said.
>>> Oliver Suvanto Rises to Third in European Draft Rankings After Breakthrough Season
The Penguins made several roster adjustments earlier in the offseason.
They traded a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Washington Capitals for forward Hendrix Lapierre.
They also acquired prospect Oliver Okuliar from the Florida Panthers in exchange for prospect Emil Pieniniemi.
Ruck and his twin brother, Markus Ruck, have committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of North Dakota starting in the fall of 2027.
Pittsburgh holds four remaining selections in the draft: the 39th, 54th, 86th, and 170th overall picks.
>>> Chicago White Sox Crush Kansas City Royals 17-1 in Dominant Display
Rounds 2 through 7 are scheduled to begin on Saturday at 11 a. m.
