The 2026 NHL Draft concluded with a notable presence from Colorado College, as three of its recent alumni heard their names called among the league’s next generation of talent. Zach Olsen was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 73rd overall pick after posting 34 points in 57 games for the Saskatoon Blades, while Will McLaughlin followed at 159th overall after a 30‑point season with the Portland Winterhawks. Jake Gustafson rounded out the group at 174th overall, having contributed 25 points in 68 games for the same Winterhawks squad.
Coach Kris Mayotte praised the trio’s dedication, discipline, and talent, noting that they exemplify the program’s commitment to producing elite athletes ready for the professional stage.
Gustafson’s achievement carries a personal resonance, as his father, Jon Gustafson, once guarded the net for Colorado College and now holds a senior vice‑presidential role within the San Jose Sharks organization.
A Century‑Plus Tradition
The selections mark the 101st, 102nd and 103rd draft picks in Colorado College hockey history, reinforcing a long‑standing pipeline that has repeatedly fed the NHL with skilled talent.
Geographically, the players span a diverse backdrop — from the prairie city of Saskatoon, through the Pacific Northwest enclave of Portland, to the draft’s host city of Buffalo, New York — illustrating the program’s reach across North America.
Looking Forward
As the new contracts take shape, the organization and its supporters anticipate that the drafted players will not only contribute on the ice but also continue the Tigers’ tradition of excellence, discipline, and community engagement.