Dallas Stars select Jakub Vaněček with 59th pick in NHL Draft

The Dallas Stars selected Czech defenseman Jakub Vaněček with the 59th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Vaněček, an 18-year-old standing six-foot-two and weighing nearly 200 pounds, was viewed as a potential first-round talent due to his high hockey IQ and offensive instincts. He contributed to a silver medal finish at the U18 World Championships, scoring three goals and two assists in seven games. In the WHL, he posted 14 goals and 21 assists for the Tri-City Americans in 59 games this past season. The selection fills a need for Dallas after trading away their first-round pick to acquire Mikko Rantanen.

• 4:29 PMYahoo Sports — Dallas Make First Draft Pick at 59th Overall, Select Czech Defenseman Jakub Vaněček