The Pittsburgh Penguins have pulled off a draft day coup that dreams are made of, selecting the Ruck twins back-to-back in a move that has the hockey world buzzing. On Friday, the Penguins nabbed Liam Ruck with the 22nd overall pick in the first round. Then, to double down on their bold strategy, they picked his twin brother, Markus, with their first selection in the second round at 39th overall.
This isn't just a heartwarming story; it's a strategic play by the Penguins. The twins have been tearing up the ice together since day one, and now they have the chance to continue their journey on the professional stage. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it’s something Pittsburgh is banking on to pay dividends in the future.
Markus shared a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster of draft night, revealing how his brother helped keep his nerves in check. "I was pretty stressed last night, so Liam told me everything's gonna be okay and work itself out," Markus said. "So yeah, he kept me calm, and told me it was gonna happen."
The odds were slim for both brothers to land on the same team, but the Penguins, a franchise with a rich history and a trophy cabinet to match, made it happen. "We knew it was gonna be very, very tough for a team to do this, and we just can't thank Pittsburgh enough," Markus continued.
"Such a historic franchise. They have Cups there, they have Crosby there, they have kind of everything.
To be picked there, and together, we knew that was a pretty low chance, to be honest. So, we couldn't be more excited."
Last season, Markus led the WHL in points, with Liam hot on his heels in second place, underscoring their offensive prowess. It’s clear these twins have a knack for lighting the lamp, and the Penguins are eager to harness that firepower.
Their mom, Nina, couldn't contain her excitement either. For her, it’s not just about her sons playing together; it’s about them doing so in the iconic black and gold.
"One jersey, one team. Gold is my new favorite color," she beamed.
The cherry on top? A personal call from Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, which left the twins over the moon.
"I know they talked to Sidney Crosby, he called them, and they were just, like, glowing. They were so excited.
They couldn’t be happier."
Before they hit the ice in Pittsburgh, the Ruck twins are expected to return to the WHL next season and then make their way to North Dakota for the 2027-28 season. It’s a journey that promises to be as thrilling as their draft day, and the Penguins - along with their fans - will be watching closely.
In Other News...
Penguins Finalized Development Camp Roster Comes With A Few Concerns
The Penguins are set to open development camp Monday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, and the roster offers the usual mix of fresh faces and a few early reminders that July is still more about evaluating than celebrating. Five of the teams six 2026 draft picks are expected to take part, along with a sizable group of undrafted free agents, and the practices and Friday tournament will be open to the public as the organization gets a first real look at its newest prospects.
There is, however, a small wrinkle attached to the list. Three forwards, Will Horcoff, Mac Swanson and Melvin Fernstrom, are marked injured but will still be around camp, which keeps them in the mix even if they are limited on the ice. The only draft-class prospect not expected to attend adds another layer of curiosity to a camp that already feels worth watching, especially with so many young players looking to make an impression in front of Penguins evaluators. [Read more 🡒]
Kyle Dubas May Have Quietly Won Two Important Penguins Deals
Kyle Dubas did not land a splashy summer headline with Blake Lizotte or Connor Dewar, but the Penguins general manager may have quietly done something just as useful during the regular season. Both forwards were extended on short-term money that keeps the cap commitment manageable, and in a league where bottom-six depth can get pricey in a hurry, that matters. The deals also give Pittsburgh a little more certainty around two players who have fit well enough to earn trust without forcing the club into long, expensive commitments.
The broader appeal for the Penguins is what those contracts avoid. Around the NHL, comparable role players have been getting longer terms and higher price tags, which can clog up flexibility fast if the fit is merely solid instead of essential. Lizotte and Dewar may not move the needle on their own when it comes to Pittsburghs bigger picture, but they do give the team a cleaner financial path and a chance to keep building without overpaying for familiar depth. [Read more 🡒]
Jason Robertson Trade Saga Just Took A Much More Serious Turn
Jason Robertsons future has become one of the leagues more interesting summer watch items, and Pittsburgh has stayed in the conversation for a reason. The restricted free agent turned down an offer from Seattle and reportedly showed no interest in St. Louis, which only adds to the sense that his next move will be more complicated than a simple fit-and-sign scenario. For the Penguins, the appeal is obvious: they have the cap flexibility to make a serious run at him if the opportunity opens up.
The harder part is getting Dallas to the point where a deal makes sense for them, and that is where the process has slowed. Pittsburgh is being viewed as a club looking to do something meaningful, but interest alone does not close the gap on a player of Robertsons stature. The Penguins may still be in the mix, though the bigger question now is whether they can put together the kind of trade package that would keep the Stars engaged. [Read more 🡒]