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.
New York’s 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.
The 18-year-old tied for the Medicine Hat lead in goals, and ranked second in points and assists. He also tied for the team lead with eight goals in 14 postseason games.
Looking at the bigger picture, Ruck was tied for second in goal-scoring and finished second in points in the entire WHL during the 2025-26 regular season.
His defensive reads also stand out, and his ability to anticipate plays projects well to the NHL. If he were two inches taller, he’d likely be a top‑10 pick. Ruck averaged more than 18 minutes per game and profiles as a complete, top‑six winger. It would be a surprise if he’s still available late in the first round — and a mistake for the Rangers to pass if he is.
Markus Ruck, C/W, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Liam’s twin brother brings a different skill set. Markus is a high‑end playmaker who posted 21 goals and 87 assists for a league-high 108 points. At 5‑foot‑11, he may shift to the wing at the NHL level, but he’s also an excellent defensive forward with elite vision and a relentless work ethic.
His hockey IQ and compete level make him a strong fit for a team looking to add skill and responsibility down the middle.
Ilia Morozov, C, Miami (Ohio)
Morozov is harder to project. With only one USHL season and one NCAA season, his résumé is thin, and his 8‑12‑20 freshman stat line raises questions. Scouts praise the Moscow native’s work ethic and heavy minutes as a freshman, but concerns remain about his puck skills and offensive ceiling. His profile resembles Manny Malhotra — steady, reliable, but not a high-end producer.
We need to take into account that Morozov began the season as the youngest player in NCAA Div. I men’s hockey — and doesn’t turn 18 until August. He’s also got terrific size — 6-foot-3, 205 pounds — and started the season strong, with a pair of three-point games, and two two-point outings in the first couple months. His production tailed off dramatically as the season wore on, but he did play all 36 games.
Ben Macbeath, LD, Calgary (WHL)
If the Rangers go with the best player available, the lefthanded Macbeath may be the pick. The 6‑foot‑2 defenseman broke out with 51 points (seven goals, 44 assists) as a WHL rookie and joins NCAA powerhouse and defending national champion Denver University next season — a strong indicator of his development path.
Macbeath is an excellent skater who moves the puck quickly, a trait that fits well with coach Mike Sullivan’s system. With added strength, he projects as a top‑four NHL defenseman.
If I were to rank these four players:
1. Ben Macbeath: offers the best overall upside.
2. Liam Ruck: is the most polished scorer of the group.
3. Markus Ruck: brings high‑end playmaking and strong defensive habits.
4. Ilia Morozov: profiles as a steady, responsible center with a lower offensive ceiling.
📉 Trade possibility for Rangers
With no pick between this one and No. 63 overall, the Rangers should consider trading back to add an additional second‑round selection. Given the depth of this draft class, adding another pick could help restock a prospect pool that needs more high‑upside talent.
But since the Rangers already have 11 picks in the 2026 draft, including seven in the first three rounds, perhaps this late first-rounder can be used in a trade to acquire another prospect or NHL-ready player that is further along in his development. Remember, this is a retool, not a rebuild, per general manager Chris Drury, so if that pick can be packaged for more immediate help, you’d expect the Rangers to do so.
