The Philadelphia Flyers selected right-shooting defenceman Brek Liske with the 53rd overall pick on Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on June 27, 2026.
The 18-year-old blueliner from Beausejour, Manitoba, spent his sophomore season with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
He posted 24 points—seven goals and 17 assists—alongside a +36 rating across 52 regular-season games.
Liske elevated his performance during the playoffs when Everett captain Tarin Smith suffered an upper-body injury.
He stepped into a top-pairing role beside Landon DuPont and recorded 17 points in 18 games to help secure the Ed Chynoweth Cup.
Playoff Breakthrough
"There's a point where it hits you," Liske said, reflecting on the championship victory.
"It hit me when we threw our gloves, our helmets, and then it hit me again. This is unbelievable.
It's unexplainable."
The young defenceman noted that simplifying his game and focusing on blocking shots allowed him to manage the increased responsibilities.
"Playing the game the right way helps, right?" he said.
"Block everything. Play the game the right way, and it pays."
He credited his defensive partner for assistance with communication and mental composure.
"Playing with Dups, he talks so well, he's just a great guy, and even the mental side of it, he helps a lot."
Flyers captain Tarin Smith praised Liske's development. "He's come so far," Smith said.
"I remember when he came into Everett when he was 15; he was raw. He kind of came into the season with that chip on his shoulder.
Playoffs come around and he steps it up. He became one of the best d-men in the playoffs."
Scouting Report
An evaluation of Liske's versatile traits was outlined by the scouting community ahead of his second-round selection.
"Brek Liske impressed all season long, bringing a rare amount of versatility," stated the Elite Prospects Draft Guide.
"Name a skill, Liske probably has it. He's aware and controlled on retrievals, even absorbing contact to make plays."
Defensively, he is steady and persistent, pushing rushers outside as he skates across the stop. He sticks with opponents and gives himself a chance to get a stop.
With possession, Liske plays a streamlined, team-centric game.
His pressured breakout touches are usually simple passes followed by quick relocation to become a return pass option.
He joins rushes regularly and compresses the offensive zone with aggressive positioning. While Liske does a bit of everything, his skating has been a limiter.
He lacks the explosiveness to consistently separate and create. Defensively, he lacks a bit of range, and his heavier skating can expose the middle to attackers.
At higher levels, Liske's versatility will remain valuable. He is proven capable of slotting into a variety of roles.
Improved skating will bolster his game across the board. Though he has some second-pair potential, he is projected more as a safer, all-around third-pair defenceman.
