
USHL Dominates 2026 NHL Draft with Record Selections
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.
Latest Slidescroller coverage in Hockey.

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.

The 2026 NHL Draft showcased an unprecedented haul of Western Hockey League talent, highlighting the league’s continued role as a talent incubator.

The Utah Mammoth selected five players on the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft, highlighting the team’s focus on depth and international talent.

The Los Angeles Kings selected eleven players in the 2026 NHL Draft, led by first‑round forward Elton Hermansson, while a diverse group of prospects from Canada, Slovakia, Russia, Finland, Germany and the United States begin their professional journeys.

Cole Tuminaro’s selection 140th overall marks a milestone for Cornell hockey, highlighting the program’s sustained pipeline to the NHL and his academic achievements.

The Panthers announced their 2026 draft class, highlighting six young players from four countries who will bolster the team’s future.

The Avalanche tied a franchise draft record by selecting nine players, spanning defense, forward and goaltender positions, each bringing distinct achievements and pathways to the professional ranks.

Logan Parsons, the Providence College net‑minder, was selected by the Winnipeg Jets after a standout rookie season that included a 13‑5 record, a .922 save percentage and a 2.05 goals‑against average.

The 2026 NHL Draft concluded with unexpected moves, especially by the Chicago Blackhawks, who secured high‑valued talents in the second round and contributed to a draft defined by historic late‑stage selections.

Eight Penn State hockey prospects were chosen at the NHL Draft, with Gavin McKenna becoming the top overall pick. While some will head to the NHL immediately, several commits will join the Nittany Lions after their OHL seasons.

The 2026 NHL Draft saw a record 53 American players chosen, spanning 16 states and featuring standout performances from the USHL and NTDP. The first round alone produced five U.S. prospects, led by Chase Reid as the highest‑ranked American pick.

The Carolina Hurricanes used their final pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to select goaltender Zachary Jovanovski, an 18‑year‑old prospect who stands 6‑foot‑3 and has posted a 0.890 save percentage in the OHL.

The Tampa Bay Lightning selected six prospects during the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, highlighting a mix of domestic and international talent.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Jonas Kemps will eventually join Michigan State’s roster after a season in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

San Jose has secured the rights to Zack Ostapchuk, a key fourth-line pivot, through a new four-year agreement.

The Wild added size, skill, and potential between the pipes in the latest draft, selecting Andersson in the third round, Lemire in the fourth, and Ruzicka in the fifth.

Fourteen players from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program heard their names called at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, highlighting a deep talent pool that includes two first‑round picks and a series of later‑round steals.

The Pittsburgh Penguins chose Parker Von Richter with the 111th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Draft, capping a standout collegiate career at UNH.

Columbus completes its 2026 NHL Draft with six selections across the final six rounds, trades for additional picks, and outlines the prospects joining the organization.
The Ducks selected James Rieber in the seventh round, a move that underscores their focus on developing young talent and shaping his path through the Waterloo Black Hawks and Miami University

The New York Islanders added four promising talents on the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft, each bringing a distinct blend of collegiate, junior and overseas experience.
Anaheim selected Noah Kosick in the sixth round of the NHL Draft, highlighting his 54 WHL points and a commitment to the University of Michigan for the 2027‑28 season.

The Ducks selected Russian net‑minder Gleb Peshkov with the 180th overall pick, highlighting his impressive statistics in the MHL and his potential impact on the team's future.

University of Michigan freshman Adam Valentini was selected in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Utah Mammoth, capping a season that saw him lead all freshmen in scoring, help the Wolverines win the Big Ten Tournament and reach the Frozen Four, and earn multiple international honors.