Twin forwards Markus and Liam Ruck hope to be selected by the same team during the 2026 NHL Draft [2].
The prospect of the brothers staying together is a rare occurrence in professional hockey. Their shared chemistry and family bond could provide a unique competitive advantage for whichever franchise selects them both.
The brothers, who hail from Osoyoos, British Columbia, currently play for the Medicine Hat Tigers in Alberta [1]. They have expressed a desire to maintain their partnership as they transition from junior hockey to the professional ranks.
"It would be a dream come true to get drafted together and play side-by-side in the NHL," Markus Ruck said [1].
Liam Ruck emphasized the importance of their relationship. "We just want to stay together and keep that brotherly bond on the ice," he said [3].
Draft analysts have noted the twins' rare synchronization. Craig Button, an NHL Draft analyst, said the chemistry the pair possesses when playing on the same line is something not seen every day [4].
Speculation regarding which team might execute a double-selection varies among analysts. One report suggests the St. Louis Blues could potentially select the twins with the 15th and 16th overall picks [4]. Other reports suggest the Vancouver Canucks could be the team to pick them together [5].
Because the 2026 draft is scheduled for June 2026 [4], the twins continue to develop their game in the Western Hockey League while awaiting the selection process in Canada [1].
“"It would be a dream come true to get drafted together and play side-by-side in the NHL."”
The prospect of a 'package deal' for the Ruck twins presents a strategic gamble for NHL teams. While drafting two players with pre-existing chemistry can accelerate line integration, it requires a team to hold consecutive or closely spaced high-round picks, such as the 15th and 16th overall, to make the move viable.
