The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is a time when years of hard work and sacrifice all come down to one moment. Players sit with loved ones, eagerly waiting to hear their name called for the opportunity to earn a spot on an NHL roster.
Of the hundreds of players throwing their name in the hat, some possess unique stories that influenced their route to the pros. From embracing disabilities to following in the footsteps of parents, this draft class boasts a diverse body of athletes that share one dream.
In lieu of the rapidly approaching weekend, here’s a few moments deserving of a few extra minutes in the limelight.
- BLUE JACKETS NHL DRAFT HUB presented by Pepsi
Hockey Bloodlines
A lot of names are being thrown around right now regarding potential draft picks. And you may be thinking, “Have I heard that name before?”
The answer in many cases is yes, you have. While this is just the tip of the iceberg, there are plenty of players following in the footsteps of their family members, creating waves of nostalgia for those who’ve followed hockey for a while.
Here’s a few notable names that fans might be familiar with.
Caleb Malhotra: The son of former Blue Jackets forward Manny Malhotra, Caleb is a top prospect in his own right. After posting 84 points in 67 games with Brantford of the OHL, Malhotra has earned a comfortable spot atop the draft ladder and could be the first center taken. Growing up, he had a front row seat to his dad’s nearly 20-year career. Now head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, who are selecting third, Manny is constantly questioned whether he’ll coach his son at the top level. But Caleb’s success is all Manny wants to see, making this father-son duo a fun one to witness.
Wyatt Cullen: After a standout season with the U.S. National Team Development Program – and a late growth spurt – the son of 21-year NHL veteran Matt Cullen could hear his name called in the top 10. Matt won three Stanley Cups – twice with the Pittsburgh Penguins and once with the Carolina Hurricanes – and is one of many Cullens to dedicate their lives to the game. Regardless of where Wyatt is drafted, the duo will reunite in Minneapolis at the University of Minnesota for the 2026-27 season, making for a perfect full-circle moment.
Joe Iginla: Two years ago, former Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla stood at the heart of many draft stories with his son, Tij, going sixth overall to Utah in the 2024 draft. Now, he finds himself in a similar position with his son Joe, who’s looking to join the family business after spending the past two seasons in the WHL. Joe may not be as much a standout as his predecessors, but he possesses the knowledge and understanding of his job – thanks to his dad – that others miss out on.
An International Flavor
Hockey’s global influence continues to grow, slowly reaching across various countries as it inspires the next Great One. Players from places like Russia and Sweden have been around for a bit, but rarely have there been so many European skaters projected to go in the first round, as 14 of the top 33 players in our consensus poll were born overseas. So as the hockey world prepares to welcome a new group of players to the elite club, it’s worth noting how impactful the international influence has on the sport.
One notable European prospect is defenseman Alberts Šmits, a Latvian defenseman who’s already represented his country in various forms. Šmits skated for Latvia at the 2026 Olympics, making him the lone top prospect with Olympian status. He also has the opportunity to become just the second Latvian drafted in the first round, joining Zemgus Girgensons in 2012.
From Jaxon Cover and Ryder Cali, who began their careers playing roller hockey in the Cayman Islands, to Luthuania’s Simas Ignatavicius to the Norwegian Niklas Aaram-Olsen to 7-foot-1 Moldovan defenseman Alexander Karmanov, hockey’s increasing impact on the globe is helping it reach outside of the typical North American powerhouses.
Seeing players excel is always gratifying, especially when they come from the most unlikely of places.
A Twin Connection
If the Sedin brothers weren’t enough, another identical duo is knocking on the NHL’s doors. The Ruck twins led the Medicine Hat Tigers to another successful season, collecting points left and right on the way to finishing first and second on the WHL's scoring chart. Liam, the goal scorer of the two, greatly benefited from Markus’ play-making style. Now, the two projected first-rounders have the chance to either replicate the Vancouver legends or carve their own paths.
Ironically enough, the British Columbia natives grew up watching the Sedins tear up the league with their theorized twin telepathy. The Rucks were rarely forced to split up during their development, continuously elevating their game together. This season, Markus led the WHL with 108 points with Liam just behind at 104, and it’s special to see them do it together.
There’s naturally talk surrounding where the two will end up, more specifically whether it will be together or separate. The two have expressed a desire to stick together, but also wish for the other to succeed, regardless of the circumstances. In a crazy, hectic and life-changing moment for these athletes, the Rucks have each other to navigate it in real time and be there for the inevitable celebrations.
Lacelle Overcomes Odds
When perusing the top-ranked North American goaltenders for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, William Lacelle occupies that No. 5 spot. The QMJHL netminder earned recognition for his impressive stats, posting the league’s most shutouts (seven) this season with a .917 save percentage and earning the opportunity to represent Canada at the age of 15 in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Lacelle earned his position in every right.
But, he does this all on top of his hearing being restricted to just 50 percent in his right ear, and nothing in his left.
Instead of seeing his disability as a hindrance, Lacelle uses it to his advantage. He takes the phrase “blocking out the noise” very seriously, ensuring he remains focused on his game and not what outside voices are saying. A goaltender’s role can be difficult for many reasons, but Lacelle’s ability to keep a quiet mind helps him thrive in the crease.
Of course, the difficulties become apparent in certain moments, but Lacelle learned to adapt. His lip-reading skills span across both English and French, keeping the defensive unit in complete communication while fending off the opposition’s offense. As he gears up for the 2026 NHL Draft, Lacelle knows that his hockey speaks for itself. He also knows that wherever he ends up, there isn’t a challenge he can’t tackle.
Buffalo Draft Parallels
Columbus fans are certainly experiencing déjà vu after seeing the Blue Jackets hold the 14th pick for the second year in a row. But this isn’t the only time history repeats itself this draft.
Ten years ago, Buffalo hosted the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. And just like this year, all eyes were on the Toronto Maple Leafs and which generational talent they’d add to their roster.
When the Leafs selected Auston Matthews a decade ago, they found a star player and the eventual captain of the Original Six franchise. But now after missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons, Toronto is eager to find a complimentary teammate for their veteran forward. Now, the Leafs have a nearly identical opportunity to add a powerful asset to an already experienced core.
This will be the fourth time Buffalo hosts the NHL draft, and half have featured Toronto with the No. 1 pick. It’s up to the Leafs to select a player that garners success for the club, but it’s safe to assume that Toronto is a big fan of Buffalo hosting the draft.
Soon, many of these anecdotes will be overshadowed by future drafts and the storylines that come with it. But until that time comes, it’s fun appreciating the future NHL superstars and understanding where they came from – especially when they provide a unique twist to the typical selections.
