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League: NHLSport: HockeyCountry: United StatesCategory: Breaking News

Ducks add skill and depth with nine picks in NHL Draft

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 10:47 PM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Ducks add skill and depth with nine picks in NHL Draft
Summary

The Anaheim Ducks made significant moves during Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, increasing their total selections from six to nine. They traded Mason McTavish to acquire additional picks and focused on skilled players, selecting OHL rookie of the year Nikita Klepov at No. 15 and Sweden's Marcus Nordmark at No. 28. In the second round, they picked defenseman Jayden Kurtz at No. 45 and forward Mathis Preston at No. 50. Rian Chudzinski was selected at No. 82, addressing a need for gritty scoring. The Ducks' strategy highlighted their aim to build a competitive roster with noteworthy talent.

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By the Numbers
  • •Ducks made nine selections overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • •Nikita Klepov and Marcus Nordmark were first-round picks.
  • •Jayden Kurtz, Mathis Preston, and Rian Chudzinski were selected in later rounds.
  • •Draft strategy focused on acquiring skilled players with high upside.
Latest Updates
  • 10:47 PMYahoo Sports — Ducks swing for extra picks, skill and upside in Day 2 of NHL Draft
What they're saying
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Anaheim entered the draft with six selections and ended up making nine picks overall with some sparks of skill sliding to their advantage in the 2026 NHL Draft

Related Teams & Leagues
Anaheim DucksNHLHockey

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