The 2026 NHL Draft concluded with a striking illustration of Minnesota’s dominance, as the state accounted for twelve of the 224 picks across seven rounds. No other state matched that volume, underscoring a concentrated talent pool that scouts have been tracking for years.
Leading the charge was Wyatt Cullen, the son of former NHL veteran Matt Cullen. Selected tenth overall by the Nashville Predators, Cullen combined elite size, vision and a proven track record at the junior level to become the highest‑ranked Minnesotan ever drafted in the first round.
A Legacy in the Making
Jayden Kurtz followed at pick forty‑five, earning a spot with the Anaheim Ducks. A standout at the high school level, Kurtz chose to commit to the University of Wisconsin, where he will develop further before turning professional.
The draft also featured Victor Plante, who went 47th overall to the Detroit Red Wings. Plante joins his brothers Max and Zam, both recent draftees, creating a unique family narrative that adds depth to the state’s hockey storyline.
Other notable selections included Mikey Berchild, a 105th‑overall pick of the Carolina Hurricanes who will head to Denver University, and Zach Wooten, taken 116th by the Winnipeg Jets after a breakout USHL season. Both players illustrate the varied pathways Minnesota prospects take — from college commitments to immediate professional contracts.
KJ Sauer, the 136th overall pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, is slated to compete in the Western Hockey League, while Hawke Huff, selected 148th by the Seattle Kraken, will play for the University of St. Thomas. Teddy Lechner, a 152nd‑overall choice of the Colorado Avalanche, commits to Augustana University, continuing a trend of top talent staying in‑state for college.
The list also features Bode Laylin (164th, Calgary Flames), Parker Trottier (189th, Montreal Canadiens), Bobby Cowan (205th, New York Islanders) and Jimmy Rieber (210th, Anaheim Ducks). Each of these players brings a distinct background — from USHL breakout performances to collegiate commitments — showcasing the breadth of Minnesota’s hockey ecosystem.
The organizations that drafted these prospects — including the Nashville Predators, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders — now hold the rights to a generation that could shape the league’s competitive balance for years to come.
Beyond the numbers, the draft reflects a cultural strength: Minnesota’s emphasis on development at the youth and junior levels, combined with a tradition of producing NHL‑ready talent. As these players move into professional ranks or continue their collegiate careers, the state’s influence on the sport is poised to grow even further.