Ruck twins among Rangers options with late 1st-round pick in 2026 NHL Draft
The New York Rangers’ first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft should be pretty straightforward. Holding the No. 5 overall selection, they’re positioned to land a top-tier prospect with several elite options expected to be on the board, either on defense, or up front at center or on the wing.
Their second first‑round pick later is where things get complicated. That pick was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the K’Andre Miller trade last summer, and originally belonged to the Dallas Stars. It’ll either be No.
26 or 27 overall, depending on the final results of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Late in the first round, teams often choose between the best player available or hoping a talented prospect unexpectedly slips — similar to when Gabe Perreault fell to New York at No. 23 in the 2023 draft.
If the Rangers use the No. 5 pick on a right-shot defenseman, the logical move at No. 26 or 27 is to target a center.
They shouldn’t expect to find a first-line center, but a reliable second‑line center is more realistic. 🔍 Top Options for Rangers late in first-round of NHL Draft Liam Ruck , RW/C, Medicine Hat (WHL) Ruck is one of the most productive forwards in the draft, after posting 45 goals, 59 assists and 104 points for Medicine Hat in the WHL this season. At 6-foot-0, he isn’t the biggest forward, but he’s a natural finisher with excellent hockey sense and strong awareness in all three zones.
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