The New York Rangers hold the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and are expected to select a top-tier prospect. Their second first-round pick, acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes, will be either No. 26 or 27, complicating their strategy for that selection.
Key points
Rangers hold No. 5 overall pick in 2026 NHL Draft
Second first-round pick will be No. 26 or 27
Pick acquired from Carolina Hurricanes in KâAndre Miller trade
Teams often choose best player available late in the first round
Rangers may target a center if they select a defenseman early
New York RangersCarolina HurricanesDallas Stars
The New York Rangersâ first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft should be pretty straightforward. Holding the No. 5 overall selection, theyâre positioned to land a top-tier prospect with several elite options expected to be on the board, either on defense, or up front at center or on the wing.
Their second firstâround pick later is where things get complicated. That pick was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the KâAndre Miller trade last summer, and originally belonged to the Dallas Stars. Itâll either be No. 26 or 27 overall, depending on the final results of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Late in the first round, teams often choose between the best player available or hoping a talented prospect unexpectedly slips â similar to when Gabe Perreault fell to New York at No. 23 in the 2023 draft.
If the Rangers use the No. 5 pick on a right-shot defenseman, the logical move at No. 26 or 27 is to target a center. They shouldnât expect to find a first-line center, but a reliable secondâline center is more realistic.
đ Top Options for Rangers late in first-round of NHL Draft
Liam Ruck, RW/C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Ruck is one of the most productive forwards in the draft, after posting 45 goals, 59 assists and 104 points for Medicine Hat in the WHL this season. At 6-foot-0, he isnât the biggest forward, but heâs a natural finisher with excellent hockey sense and strong awareness in all three zones.
The 18-year-old tied for the Medicine Hat lead in goals, and ranked second in points and assists. He also tied for the team lead with eight goals in 14 postseason games.
Looking at the bigger picture, Ruck was tied for second in goal-scoring and finished second in points during the 2025-26 regular season.
Q&A
Who are the top prospects for the Rangers in the 2026 NHL Draft?
The Rangers are expected to have several elite options available, particularly on defense or at center and wing.
What pick do the Rangers have in the 2026 NHL Draft?
The Rangers have the No. 5 overall pick and a second first-round pick that will be either No. 26 or 27.
How did the Rangers acquire their second first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft?
The second first-round pick was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the KâAndre Miller trade last summer.
What positions are the Rangers likely to target with their late first-round pick?
If they select a defenseman with the No. 5 pick, they are likely to target a center with their late first-round pick.
Related Articles
Soccer·Feature
Pep drops hint about his future after 20th major Man City trophy
Pep Guardiola hints at a bright future for Man City after winning his 20th trophy with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Alonso agrees to become next Chelsea boss
Xabi Alonso has officially agreed to be Chelsea's next head coach on a four-year deal.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Arsenal in talks with architects over Emirates Stadium expansion
Arsenal is in talks for the expansion of the Emirates Stadium.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Details about Taron Johnsonâs mysterious absence from Raiders emerge
Taron Johnson's absence from Raiders workouts is due to contract negotiations for more security.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Rose Bowl litigation shows Kevin Demoff was trying to lure UCLA to SoFi Stadium
Litigation shows UCLA was close to moving to SoFi Stadium, per court docs.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Al Hilal impide que Cristiano gane dos tĂtulos el mismo dĂa
Al Hilal impide que Cristiano Ronaldo gane dos tĂtulos el mismo dĂa tras vencer a NEOM 2-0.
His defensive reads also stand out, and his ability to anticipate plays projects well to the NHL. If he were two inches taller, heâd likely be a topâ10 pick. Ruck averaged more than 18 minutes per game and profiles as a complete, topâsix winger. It would be a surprise if heâs still available late in the first round â and a mistake for the Rangers to pass if he is.
Markus Ruck, C/W, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Liamâs twin brother brings a different skill set. Markus is a highâend playmaker who posted 21 goals and 87 assists for a league-high 108 points. At 5âfootâ11, he may shift to the wing at the NHL level, but heâs also an excellent defensive forward with elite vision and a relentless work ethic.
His hockey IQ and compete level make him a strong fit for a team looking to add skill and responsibility down the middle.
We need to take into account that Morozov began the season as the youngest player in NCAA Div. I menâs hockey â and doesnât turn 18 until August. Heâs also got terrific size â 6-foot-3, 205 pounds â and started the season strong, with a pair of three-point games, and two two-point outings in the first couple months. His production tailed off dramatically as the season wore on, but he did play all 36 games.
If the Rangers go with the best player available, the lefthanded Macbeath may be the pick. The 6âfootâ2 defenseman broke out with 51 points (seven goals, 44 assists) as a WHL rookie and joins NCAA powerhouse and defending national champion Denver University next season â a strong indicator of his development path.
Macbeath is an excellent skater who moves the puck quickly, a trait that fits well with coach Mike Sullivanâs system. With added strength, he projects as a topâfour NHL defenseman.
If I were to rank these four players:
1. Ben Macbeath: offers the best overall upside.
2. Liam Ruck: is the most polished scorer of the group.
3. Markus Ruck: brings highâend playmaking and strong defensive habits.
4. Ilia Morozov: profiles as a steady, responsible center with a lower offensive ceiling.
đ Trade possibility for Rangers
With no pick between this one and No. 63 overall, the Rangers should consider trading back to add an additional secondâround selection. Given the depth of this draft class, adding another pick could help restock a prospect pool that needs more highâupside talent.
But since the Rangers already have 11 picks in the 2026 draft, including seven in the first three rounds, perhaps this late first-rounder can be used in a trade to acquire another prospect or NHL-ready player that is further along in his development. Remember, this is a retool, not a rebuild, per general manager Chris Drury, so if that pick can be packaged for more immediate help, youâd expect the Rangers to do so.
