Hoping everyone had a great Father’s Day. Can you name the eight Terrier dads whose children have skated for BU? Answers at the bottom.
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft begins Friday evening in Buffalo and concludes on Saturday. As many as eight Terriers–one rising sophomore, three freshmen and four 2027 recruits–are likely to hear their names called. ESPN and ESPN+ will carry the opening round with NHL Network covering later rounds.
As noted in recent blogposts, the consensus of rankings and projections have Tynan Lawrence, Caleb Malhotra, Xavier Villeneuve and Niklas Aaram-Olsen expected to be selected in the first round or possibly early second.
Photo credit Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
A free in-depth story in The Athletic asks the question: Can 2026 NHL Draft prospect Xavier Villeneuve be the next Lane Hutson? Analysis is provided by XV’s Blainville-Boisbriand Armada head coach and skills coach, as well as Terrier Head Coach Jay Pandolfo.
Both Pandolfo and Kim Brandvold, who runs BU’s defense, felt in
particular that his competitiveness and passion for the game were
similar to the Hutsons and both things that actually separate
Villeneuve.“With
Lane, it took guys a little bit of time to get used to playing with him
and have an understanding that you have to be ready all the time
because he sees things that you don’t and maybe you don’t realize that
you’re in a good spot for him. So, guys are going to have to adapt to
Xavier, too, but a lot of times those players make people around them
better, and I think Xavier has that ability,” Pandolfo said.
Villeneuve, an acknowledged fan of Lane Hutson, addresses the size issue (he’s 5’10 3/4, 164) that likely will impact where he is drafted. The Hutsons were the driving force behind his decision to commit to Boston University for next season.
● TSN.ca Final Draft Rankings
● Elite Prospects.com Cam Robinson’s Final Draft Rankings
● The Hockey News Ryan Kennedy’s Final Draft Rankings
● YouTube FloHockey’s Final Draft Rankings and NHL Comparables
● NHL.com 2026 Mock Draft (Mike Morreale and Adam Kimmelman)
Looking back–Tkachuk edition
Ottawa’s captain, Brady Tkachuk, has been traded to the Florida Panthers where he’ll join brother Matthew Tkachuk. The Senators received a boatload of draft picks in return for one of their marquis players. He’ll also join fellow Terriers Evan Rodrigues and A.J. Greer (who is coming off a career season), provided they resign with Florida.
Tkachuk scored 31 points for the 2017-18 Terriers helping them win the 2018 Hockey East Championship.
● NHL.com Brady Tkachuk joining brother following trade to Panthers by Senators
● ESPN.com Senators’ deal unites Brady Tkachuk with brother on Panthers
►Hyundai will need to reshoot this commercial with Brady in a Panthers’ jersey.
Good little ad with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. And yes that is their real Mom, Chantal. Daddy Keith was in the trunk. pic.twitter.com/fIVbwLwlzX
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) October 12, 2023
Brady Tkachuk will the 7th Terrier to play for the Florida Panthers following:
Dave Tomlinson (1994-95)
Ryan Whitney (2013-14)
Matt Gilroy (2013-14)
Evan Rodrigues (2023-26)
A.J. Greer (2024-26)
Wilmer Skoog (2025-26) https://t.co/zr71MyPupv— BU Hockey Stats (@BUHockeyStats) June 22, 2026
Introducing the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026! 👏#HHOF2026 #HHOF pic.twitter.com/jwTD6Q0OUL
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 22, 2026
In a long overdue recognition, Keith Tkachuk–Brady’s and Matthew’s father–has been named to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. “Big Walt,” whose pro career stretched from 1991 through 2010, rang up 1,065 points in 1,201 games and won a gold medal representing the United States at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.
According to NHL.com, “his 538 goals were second most of all eligible players not already in the Hall of Fame behind Patrick Marleau.”
In 1995-96, Tkachuk produced a career-best 98 points (50G,48A) for the Winnipeg Jets.
In his season as a Terrier (1990-91) Tkachuck scored 40 points skating on a powerhouse line with Tony Amonte and Shawn McEachern.
Tkachuk’s coach at BU, Jack Parker, was elected to the Hall of Fame in the 2025 class.
● NHL.com 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class includes Bergeron, Price, Rinne, Tkachuk
● ESPN.com Keith Tkachuk makes Hall of Fame after sons become teammates
Happy Father’s Day!
8 Terrier fathers have had children play for the Terriers
Tony Amonte (Ty and Tristan)
Mike Eruzione (Mike Jr.)
Mark Krys (Chad)
Scott Lachance (Shane)
Tom O’Regan (Danny)
Tom Ryan (T.J.)
Keith Tkachuk (Brady)
Scott Shaunessy (Julia)— BU Hockey Stats (@BUHockeyStats) June 21, 2026