Eight players with Saskatchewan connections were selected in the 2026 NHL entry draft over the weekend. The Prince Albert Raiders and Saskatoon Blades each produced three draft picks in the two-day draft which ran Friday-Saturday. Prince Albert Raiders star defenceman Daxon Rudolph is now a Buffalo Sabre after hearing his name called fourth overall on Friday night. The 18-year old finished third among WHL defencemen with 78 points (28 gaols) and was first in powerplay points with 35 (13 goals). Four players with local ties were taken in the third round. Regina Pats forward Zach Lansard was taken by the Carolina Hurricanes 68th overall. Zach Olsen of the Saskatoon Blades followed at 73rd. Humboldt’s Beckett Hamilton is a member of the Colorado Avalanche after getting the call 74th overall. Raiders goaltender Michal Orsulak was picked by the Detroit Red Wings at pick 79. A third Prince Albert skater was taken in the fourth round at 113th when the San Jose Sharks added Jonah Silvertson to their organization. Saskatoon’s Cooper Williams, a 2027 recruit of the NCAA’s North Dakota Fighting Hawks, was picked 158th by the Toronto Maple Leafs and his future ND teammate Brayden Klimpke was picked up by the Montreal Canadiens.
