The 2026 NHL Draft concluded with the Carolina Hurricanes making their sixth and final selection, choosing goaltender Zachary Jovanovski at the 165th overall spot.
A Towering Presence in the Crease
Standing at 6‑foot‑3, Jovanovski brings a rare combination of size and reflexes for a prospect from the Ontario Hockey League.
Over the past two seasons with the Guelph Storm, he posted a 0.890 save percentage across 52 games, a statistic that caught the eye of Hurricanes scouts.
The Hurricanes, who have been rebuilding their defensive core, view the pick as a long‑term investment that could complement existing net‑minders and add depth to their prospect pipeline.
Looking Ahead
If his development trajectory remains on course, Jovanovski could challenge for a backup role in the coming seasons, giving the Hurricanes flexibility should injuries arise or a need for a change in net emerge.