NHL draft could be a big one for the South Okanagan: Here’s what to watch for
Published 11:15 am Friday, June 26, 2026
Draft day in the NHL has arrived.
Round 1 of the 2026 draft goes Friday, June 26, in Buffalo, N.Y., with the Toronto Maple Leafs on the clock at No. 1 overall.
The event, expected to feature South Okanagan representation, begins at 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
Unlike the past several years, at least two or three local players could be taken sooner rather than later.
Rounds two to seven are set for Saturday, June 27.
Here’s what South Okanagan locals should look for starting Friday:
When will Penticton’s Preston hear his name?
Born and raised in Penticton, forward Mathis Preston was pegged as a first or second-round selection in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.
Preston, 18, is a graduate of the Penticton Minor Hockey Association and played this past season with the Spokane Chiefs and Vancouver Giants.
He also comes into the draft after shining with the Canada at the U18 world championships, held this past April.
Osoyoos twins ready for draft moment
Twins from Osoyoos, Liam and Markus Ruck, are also potential first-round picks.
Much has been made about whether a club will look to trade up or down for an opportunity to grab both forwards — akin to the Vancouver Canucks’ 1999 draft day maneuvering to take Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
The Rucks suited up together with the Medicine Hat Tigers, alongside Friday’s expected first-overall pick, Gavin McKenna, in 2024-2025.
Markus and Liam were No. 1 and 2 in WHL scoring last season, posting 108 and 104 points, respectively.
The Rucks are also childhood best friends with the aforementioned Preston, with the trio playing together at the Penticton-based Okanagan Hockey Academy from 2020 to 2024.
If not selected in Round 1 on Friday, the three locals would be favourites to be taken early on Saturday.
What about the Vees?
The WHL’s Penticton Vees could be represented on Saturday, with defenceman Sean Burick (ranked No. 99 on final draft rankings among North American skaters) available.
Burick, a 6’8”, 214-pound blueliner from San Clemente, Calif., suited up for the Vees last season as a rookie.
He’s expected to be back with the club next season, too, no matter what happens this weekend in Buffalo.
Around the NHL
The Vancouver Canucks own two first-round picks, the No. 3 and 24 overall selections.
Vancouver is picking third overall after finishing with the worst record in the NHL last season and losing out on the first selection in May’s draft lottery.
The 24th pick could be a realistic landing spot for Preston or one of the Ruck twins, based on Central Scouting’s final rankings.
Other teams that could be in the mix for the South Okanagan products include the Ottawa Senators (25th and 32nd overall) and the Calgary Flames (6th, 30th, 35th).