A Draft Like No Other
The University of North Dakota’s hockey program has long been a breeding ground for talent, and the 2026 NHL Draft promises to cement that reputation. With a pipeline of prospects ready to make the leap, the Fighting Hawks are poised to make a splash that could reverberate through the league.
Coach Dane Jackson has been vocal about his confidence in two of the program’s brightest stars, Keaton Verhoeff and Carson Carels. Both players, projected as high picks, have indicated they will return to school for another season, a decision that Jackson believes will give them the chance to chase a national championship before turning professional.
If the projections hold, the draft could become a historic moment for UND. Analysts suggest that Verhoeff and Carels, combined with the potential selection of the Ruck twins, could yield as many as four first‑round choices, a record for the university and a storyline that will dominate pre‑draft conversations.
The Ruck twins, Liam and Markus, add an extra layer of intrigue. Should both hear their names called in the opening round, they would become the first set of twins to achieve that feat, a narrative that captures the imagination of fans and scouts alike.
Incoming freshman forward Connor Davis has also entered the spotlight, drawing interest from several NHL clubs. While his draft position remains fluid, the buzz surrounding his skill set hints at a possible early selection or a promising entry into NHL development camps.
Beyond the headline names, the draft will showcase a record‑setting nine picks from the program’s history, underscoring a legacy of producing NHL‑ready talent. The excitement is palpable as the Fighting Hawks prepare to travel to Buffalo, the site of the 2016 draft, for what many expect to be a landmark event.