U.S. Talent Showcased at 2026 NHL Draft
BUFFALO, N.Y. – A total of fifty-three Americans were selected during the 2026 NHL Draft, which included nine full-time participants from USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.
Wyatt Cullen, who was chosen 10th overall by the Nashville Predators, expressed that the weekend was fulfilling not only for him but also for his fellow players he had come to know through USA Hockey.
“It was kind of cool; you put in the effort and play alongside some of these guys for a while, work hard for a couple of years, and then you get to witness them achieve their dreams this weekend as well,” Cullen remarked. “It’s one of those occasions where you feel happy for so many others you know who have dedicated themselves to the effort.”
Chase Reid, JP Hurlbert, Jack Hextall, and Tommy Bleyl were also selected in the first round. Meanwhile, Brooks Rogowski, Casey Mutryn, Jayden Kurtz, Victor Plante, and Timofei Runsto were all picked in the second round.
RELATED: View the complete list of Americans Selected At The 2026 NHL Draft
Plante, a teammate of Cullen on the NTDP, was drafted 47th overall by the Detroit Red Wings — the same team and draft position as his older brother Max Plante in the 2024 draft.
A smiling and joyful Plante was one of the standout moments of the draft. He had hoped to be selected a bit earlier than his older brother, but everything aligned perfectly for the family.
“I can’t really envision anything better, right?” Plante stated. “When Detroit was on the clock and they traded for the pick, you start to feel a bit excited and wonder, ‘what if?’ and then it happens; it’s a dream realized.”
The draft highlighted the various paths players can take within the country to reach the NHL. For instance, Hurlbert became the first Texas native selected in the first round since Seth Jones in 2013.
In total, teams drafted American players from 16 different states, spanning from Alaska to North Carolina.
“It’s a strong reminder that if you can play and find your way, you’ll have the chance to earn your opportunity,” Hurlbert noted. “You have that chance, and you do what you can with it, as long as you can get on the ice.”
Hextall — who was selected 30th overall by the Calgary Flames — played this season for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. He believes that competing in the league enhanced his skills and contributed to his draft selection.
“It’s a great representation for USA Hockey and the USHL; the league truly challenges you and encourages you to improve,” Hextall remarked. “But it’s not solely about the league; it’s about the opportunities available to find your path and demonstrate it.”
Reid was the first American chosen in the 2026 NHL Draft when the Seattle Kraken picked him with the No. 7 selection in the first round.
However, there were moments when Reid contemplated whether his hockey journey might be concluding.
It wasn’t that he was quitting or giving up, but after being cut by the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks in 2024, the defenseman began to question how feasible his long-term aspiration of reaching the NHL truly was.
“You deal with that adversity and learn a lot about yourself,” Reid explained. “But there are times during that period when it starts to feel like the path to your ultimate goal isn’t really going to be there; it’s challenging.”
Reid did not give up or surrender. Instead, he commenced the 2024-25 season in the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats and subsequently transitioned to the CHL and the Soo Greyhounds. Now, 18 months later, following a World Junior Championship appearance for Team USA, Reid became the top American selected in the 2026 NHL Draft when the Seattle Kraken utilized the seventh overall pick on him.
“It’s an honor,” Reid stated shortly after being drafted. “You put in the effort and trust in yourself and how things will unfold, and then to end up here, it’s quite remarkable.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
