The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their prospect pool by selecting forward Markus Ruck 39th overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday. Ruck, who played for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, was highly regarded for his playmaking abilities and high hockey IQ. He recorded an impressive 108 points in 68 games this past season, including 87 assists, which tied for the fourth-highest single-season total in the WHL during the 21st century.
Ruck's selection continues a remarkable story for the Ruck family, as his twin brother, Liam, was chosen by the Penguins just a day earlier with the 22nd overall pick. The brothers, who have a strong on-ice chemistry, are expected to reunite and continue their development within the Penguins' system. NHL Central Scouting had ranked Markus Ruck 23rd among North American skaters, and he was projected to be selected in the mid-first round by many draft analysts.
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft, held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, saw a flurry of activity with numerous trades and selections. Ruck's performance in the WHL also earned him recognition as the league's top scorer this past season. He is expected to return to the WHL for further development before potentially making the jump to professional hockey. The Penguins will be looking to nurture the Ruck twins' talents as they continue to build for the future.
