Draft-Eligible NTDP Players Express Confidence in Transitioning to Next Phase of Hockey Careers

This weekend at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, it will be a memorable occasion for Casey Mutryn (Norwell, Mass.).

The forward will be accompanied by his parents, older brother Teddy, and extended family to commemorate the moment when a team announces his name, likely within the first two rounds of the draft.

He will also have the opportunity to celebrate this achievement with some of his teammates from the National Team Development Program.

“That’s something about this that I’m excited about,” Mutryn stated. “I’m looking forward to many aspects of it, but there’s something unique about sharing this with teammates who have experienced similar journeys over the past two seasons.”

Wyatt Cullen (Moorehead, Minn.), who recorded 45 points in 40 games this season as a forward with the Under-18 Team, expressed similar sentiments.

“You develop a brotherhood with these players, and you become family while participating in The Program,” Cullen remarked. “You truly appreciate growing and progressing together as a group.”

The draft signifies the fulfillment of a dream for numerous NTDP players. They commit to the two-year residency program at the age of 16 and emerge draft-ready, as the NTDP has produced 432 NHL Draft selections since 1999, often with intentions to compete in the NCAA the following season.

This is certainly true for forward Victor Plante (Hermantown, Minn.), who will be attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the upcoming season.

“I believe it really prepared me and positioned me for what’s next, what I need to do to advance to the next level,” Plante noted. “The schedule, which includes college and USHL games, along with international competitions and off-ice training, has significantly contributed to my improvement and readiness for the next level.”

For Plante, as with Mutryn, the draft is a family event. His older brothers, Zam and NTDP alum Max (2021-23), were drafted in 2022 and 2024, respectively. Victor closely observed both experiences and mentioned he is taking valuable lessons into his own draft journey.

“Just soak it all in, I think that’s the most important thing,” Plante advised. “Every draft experience is unique, and I’ve maintained an open mind about that, learning a great deal; they’ve both been tremendous supporters in that regard.”

While players will finally discover which NHL team they will join, they indicated that the draft experience truly began earlier this month at the NHL Draft Combine, also held in Buffalo. During this time, players engaged in 20-minute interviews with most NHL teams, adding a personal touch to the on-ice performances they have showcased for years.

“I really enjoyed it,” defenseman Luke Schairer (Charlotte, N.C.) stated. “When else will you have the chance to meet with so many NHL GMs and teams? There were enjoyable questions, and it was fantastic to be around so many talented players; it was a great experience.”

Each of the four players utilized their time at the NTDP to impress NHL teams. Mutryn, who will be attending Boston College in the fall, mentioned that participating in The Program equipped him to make significant advancements both on and off the ice, which will aid him in tackling the NCAA schedule more effectively.

Plante, who will join both of his brothers in Duluth this season, would not exchange the past two years for any other experience.

“I feel like there are numerous options now, and many perspectives to consider,” Plante remarked. “However, you can’t convince me that there’s a better path than what we have been able to pursue at The Program. I believe that if you recognize that and put in the effort, you can truly maximize your potential.”

NHL teams have taken notice, and this weekend, those players will learn where their next chapter will lead them.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.