A Draft That Continues a Legacy
Zach Wooten, a freshman forward from Wisconsin, heard his name called in the fourth round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets. The announcement marked the latest chapter in a saga that has seen at least one Badger selected in every NHL draft since 1970.
Wooten spent the previous season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, where he posted a strong offensive output, ranking third in goals and eighth in points across the league. His 2025‑26 campaign gave scouts enough evidence to overlook his mid‑term ranking, where he had been left unranked by NHL Central Scouting.
Although he was absent from the mid‑term list, the final North American rankings placed him at 94th overall, a jump that reflected a late‑season surge and a growing consensus among analysts. The rise was enough to earn him a spot on the Jets’ draft board, illustrating how quickly a player can move from obscurity to a viable prospect.
The selection not only adds to the Jets’ defensive depth but also extends Wisconsin’s streak to 29 consecutive seasons with at least one player drafted. Since the 1970 draft, a total of 190 Badgers have been chosen, underscoring the program’s consistent pipeline to the professional ranks.
Implications for the Badgers Program
Coaches and alumni alike view each draft pick as a validation of the program’s culture and training methods. As the list of alumni who have made the leap to the NHL continues to grow, the expectation is that the next generation will keep the tradition alive, maintaining the Badgers’ reputation as a fertile ground for NHL talent.