The Pittsburgh Penguins made history at the 2026 NHL draft by selecting twin brothers Markus and Liam Ruck, granting the pair's wish to be drafted by the same team. Liam was taken 22nd overall in the first round on Friday, while Markus went 39th overall on Saturday. The twins, from Osoyoos, B.C., played for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL and are the first brothers drafted together since Christian and Cole Krygier in 2018.
Ruck Twins Dominated WHL Scoring
Markus (21-87-108) and Liam (45-59-104) finished as the top two scorers in the WHL last season, playing under former Canucks coach Willie Desjardins. Their chemistry drew comparisons to Vancouver Canucks legends Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who were drafted second and third overall in 1999. Elite Prospects' consolidated ranking had Liam at No. 28 and Markus at No. 40.
“It was stressful,” Markus told reporters in Buffalo. “I was praying and hoping that Pittsburgh would take me. And to have that happen, there’s not many words to describe it. It’s so special.”
Penguins Planned Twin Selection
Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas had hinted after the first round that picking Markus “would make sense if that’s the way the board falls tomorrow.” The Penguins were the only team to call both brothers before the draft. The twins are slated to return to Medicine Hat for the 2026-27 season and have committed to the University of North Dakota for 2027-28.
Other B.C. Prospects Drafted
Mathis Preston, a Penticton native and former linemate of the Rucks, was selected 50th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. Despite a draft year marred by injury and a mid-season trade from Spokane to Vancouver, Preston posted 18-26-44 in 46 games. “I’m super pumped to be in an organization that fits my style of play,” he said.
Defenceman Ryan Lin, a Richmond product, went 21st overall to the San Jose Sharks after the team traded up. Lin was Vancouver's leading scorer (14-43-57) despite a broken wrist. He will join the University of Denver. “For them to trade up and get me feels great. I want to prove them right,” Lin said.
Joe Iginla, son of Flames legend Jarome Iginla, was drafted 65th overall by Calgary. Despite criticism, he said, “I’m just going to go out there and try to prove them wrong.” Flames GM Craig Conroy insisted Jarome had no influence on the pick: “If we took Joe, it was because Joe earned it.”
