The 2026 NHL Draft saw a record 43 players from the United States Hockey League (USHL) hear their names called, underscoring the league’s growing influence on the sport’s talent pipeline.
A Deep Draft Presence
Of those selections, 32 were direct picks by NHL teams, and the league celebrated several milestones, including the first goalie ever drafted from the USHL, Tobias Trejbal, who was chosen by the Calgary Flames.
The St. Louis Blues emerged as the most aggressive NHL franchise in tapping the USHL, securing four prospects, while the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Muskegon Lumberjacks each topped the junior circuit with four alumni selected as well.
Goalies and Forward Talent
Seven net‑minders were taken within the first four rounds, a testament to the league’s ability to produce ready‑to‑play goaltenders. Names such as Jack Hextall, who will join his teammate Trejbal in Calgary, and Rudolfs Berzkalns, the third‑highest pick in Oilers history, highlighted the depth.
Among the skaters, forwards like Jayden Kurtz and Teddy Lechner balanced USHL commitments with schedules in the Minnesota high‑school ranks, while defensemen Evan Jardine, drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets, has pledged to continue his development at Ohio State.
The draft also reflected a blend of international flavor, with players like Artem Prima, who split time between the NAHL and USHL, and Elliott Lennon, signed to a development agreement with Madison, illustrating the league’s expanding reach beyond U.S. borders.
Looking Ahead
As the newly drafted class prepares for professional contracts, the USHL’s partnership with the NHL continues to tighten. With teams like the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche already investing heavily in USHL talent, the league is poised to remain a critical feeder system for the next generation of hockey stars.