Frustrated in his efforts to trade up in the first round of the 2026 Entry Draft, Penguins POHO/GM Kyle Dubas held onto the 22nd pick and selected 18-year-old Medicine Hat right wing Liam Ruck. Just as PP draft expert Caleb DiNatale predicted in an article posted back on May 13.
More on Caleb’s excellent prognostication in a bit.
Skating on a line with twin brother, Markus, Liam exploded for 45 goals and 104 points in 2025-26, the second highest point total in the WHL behind his sibling. He bagged another eight goals and 12 points in 14 playoff games.
In terms of particulars, he’s a right-hand shot, stands 6’0” and tips the scales at 177 pounds. Liam very much seems to fit the mold of a Dubas/Wes Clark special. Although not a dynamic skater, he competes hard, possesses a strong motor and a hockey IQ that compensates for his lack of wheels. Liam uses that intelligence to get to the right places on the ice. He possesses a good shot and quick release and isn’t the least bit shy about lettin’ ‘er rip.
In his own words, “I think I’m a smart, 200-foot-player, competitive guy and has good stick details that’s pretty good in the scoring areas.”
For a more detailed analysis, here’s a link to Caleb’s pre-draft article. Be sure to read it if you haven’t already.
Oh, and Dubas has already hinted at selecting Markus, the WHL scoring leader with 108 points, with our next pick, which Caleb also predicted. Which would make my colleague two-for-two. A marvelous bit of forecasting, considering the volatility of most drafts.
However, don’t expect Liam to provide help in the near future. He and Markus have committed to playing for the University of North Dakota in ‘27-28.
The Price is Wrong
While other clubs pulled off significant trades on draft day, Dubas elected to stand pat rather than pay the exorbitant if not downright insane prices that were being extracted.
Two players who fit Dubas’ profile to a tee, 23-year-old center Mason McTavish and 24-year-old scoring winger J.J. Peterka, were acquired by the Blues and Bruins, respectively. Each for two first-round picks.
The Rangers ponied up even more to Vegas for 37-goal-scorer Pavel Dorofeyev—two firsts and a third.
Ouch.
I give Dubas full credit for practicing prudence and not allowing himself to be sucked into the frenzy. Especially if, as he seemed to indicate, the asking prices included the likes of rising stars Ben Kindel and Egor Chinakhov. Instead, Dubas is electing to stick with a patient, “brick-by-boring-brick style” of team building that has worked remarkably well thus far.
As for free agency? Again, Dubas plans to exercise restraint and good judgment.
“We could be aggressive as we want on July 1, but if you look at what’s available, it could be an aggressive mistake,” he explained. “I try to learn from the past (hinting at the Ryan Graves and Tristan Jarry signings). And we’ll try to stay clear of that.”