The NHL Draft is underway. The Toronto Maple Leafs selected winger Gavin McKenna with the top overall pick. McKenna, who played college hockey at Penn State, was considered the overwhelming favorite to be drafted first overall in this year’s class. The San Jose Sharks took winger Ivar Stenberg from Sweden with the second pick, followed by the Vancouver Canucks’ selection of Brantford center Caleb Malhotra.
With the 22nd pick, the Penguins selected winger Liam Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League. A 6-foot, 176-pound man from Osoyoos in British Columbia, he ranked second in the WHL in scoring this past season with 45 goals and 59 assists in 68 games. Liam is committed to play for North Dakota and will begin NCAA competition in 2027 but said he was happy to be drafted by the Pens.
Rounds two through seven are set for Saturday.
