The Ducks have wrapped up the 2026 NHL Draft with a promising haul of talent, selecting seven players in Rounds 2-7 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. This comes on the heels of their first-round picks, Nikita Klepov at 15th overall and Marcus Nordmark at 28th overall. Let's dive into the fresh faces who could be the future of the franchise.
Starting with defenseman Jayden Kurtz, picked 45th overall in the second round, the Ducks are banking on his dual experience with the Chicago Steel in the USHL and Rogers High in Minnesota. The 6-3, 194-pound defenseman notched 38 points in 26 games at Rogers High, showing a knack for leading from the back. With a commitment to the University of Wisconsin for the 2027-28 season, Kurtz is poised to hone his skills further.
Next up, right wing Mathis Preston, selected 50th overall, brings a dynamic offensive presence. Splitting his time between Vancouver and Spokane in the WHL, Preston racked up 44 points in 46 games.
His playoff pedigree is noteworthy, having led all rookies in scoring during the 2025 WHL playoffs. Hailing from Penticton, British Columbia, Preston's international experience with Team Canada adds another layer to his promising profile.
Rian Chudzinski, another right wing, was snagged in the third round at 82nd overall. He made waves in the QMJHL with Moncton, putting up 38 points and a +30 rating in 54 games.
His playoff performance was equally impressive, highlighted by a five-point game and a nine-game point streak. With a solid hockey lineage, thanks to his father's NFL coaching career, Chudzinski's athletic pedigree is undeniable.
In the fifth round, the Ducks picked up defenseman Eric Frossard at 146th overall. Standing at 6-5 and weighing 205 pounds, Frossard brings a physical presence to the ice. His season with the Guelph Storm in the OHL saw him improve significantly, and his playoff experience, albeit brief, adds to his development trajectory.
Goaltender Gleb Peshkov, chosen in the sixth round at 178th overall, is a standout from the Russian junior league. With a stellar record of 22-15-8, a 2.04 GAA, and a .930 save percentage, Peshkov’s accolades include being named MHL Goaltender of the Month twice. His performance between the pipes is a beacon of hope for the Ducks' future goaltending prospects.
Center Noah Kosick, picked 192nd overall, showcased his playmaking abilities in the WHL, splitting his time between Swift Current and Seattle. With 54 points in 69 games, Kosick’s transition to Seattle midseason didn’t slow him down, as he led the Thunderbirds in assists during the playoffs. This German native is set to continue his development at the University of Michigan in 2027-28.
Rounding out the selections is defenseman James Rieber, taken in the seventh round at 210th overall. Rieber's durability was on display with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL, playing in nearly every game. Standing 6-2 and weighing 176 pounds, he’s set to return to Waterloo next season before heading to Miami University in 2027-28.
With a mix of offensive flair, defensive grit, and promising goaltending, the Ducks have assembled a draft class that could shape their future success. Each player brings a unique set of skills and potential, and fans will be eager to see how they develop in the coming years.
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For Anaheim, the debate is less about what happened than what comes next. Mrazek was a short stop for the Ducks before being moved again, and the picks only matter if they turn into real help down the line. Until the second-round selection plays out and Gibsons Detroit future settles into a clearer shape, this one remains more of a wait-and-see evaluation than a clean rebuild win. [Read more 🡒]