University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Men's Hockey | 2026 NHL Draft Central
2026 NHL DRAFT ELIGIBLE
2026 NHL DRAFT ELIGIBLE
HOW TO WATCH
Watch the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Friday, June 26 at 6 PM CT (Round 1) and Saturday, June 27 at 10 AM CT (Rounds 2-7)
WATCH (FRI) | WATCH (SAT) | FOLLOW
Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, N.Y.)
WATCH (FRI) | WATCH (SAT) | FOLLOW
Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, N.Y.)
NHL DRAFT HISTORY
*At least one Gopher has been drafted in 51 of the last 52 NHL Entry Drafts dating back to 1974 with 2001 being the only exception. Minnesota's 27-consecutive drafts with a selection between 1974-2000 are tied for an NCAA record, while it is currently on a 25-year streak.
*Minnesota has had 248 draft picks in program history, the most by any NCAA men's hockey team, including 26 first-round selections.
*Erik Johnson is the highest draft pick in Minnesota history, going No. 1 overall in 2006.
*Per NCAA rules, the Gopher men's hockey program cannot comment on unsigned prospects.
*Minnesota has had 248 draft picks in program history, the most by any NCAA men's hockey team, including 26 first-round selections.
*Erik Johnson is the highest draft pick in Minnesota history, going No. 1 overall in 2006.
*Per NCAA rules, the Gopher men's hockey program cannot comment on unsigned prospects.
2026 NHL DRAFT CLASS
CARTER CASEY
6-2 | 180 | Goaltender
HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids, Minn.
LAST YEAR: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT CARTER:
"Casey's surface numbers weren't great, but I actually see Casey's high-end potential here. He's one of the most athletic goaltenders in the draft, never giving up on a play, no matter what. He can get a bit overzealous and allow some weak goals from time to time, but an NHL goaltending coach can help reel him in a bit. I like his glove hand, and he does a good job of giving shooters little to shoot at. There's a ton of talent here – but the consistency needs work."
-Steven Ellis (Daily Faceoff)
"Casey is another great mover with a smaller frame whom I see being picked in the 3rd round. He's blindingly fast and explosive with good upper-body control while his legs are in full motion. He reads cross-crease plays well and competes hard even in traffic with his smaller frame. Depth management and early butterfly drops are areas to monitor, but he can be a very rewarding pick down the line."
-Anni Karvinen (Dobber Prospects)
WYATT CULLEN
6-1 | 175 | Forward
HOMETOWN: Moorhead, Minn.
LAST YEAR: USNTDP U18's
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT WYATT:
"I thought Cullen looked like the most talented/dangerous player in this year’s tournament (U18 Worlds) with the puck on his stick. He showed handling (in both traffic and open ice), vision and deception, and blended it with his control of his inside and outside edges to twist, turn and maneuver his way around the offensive zone. He can try to play one-on-one a little too much, but he keeps his head and eyes up, the puck just glues to his stick, and his ability to attack on angles was very noticeable."
-Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
"Cullen is a creative playmaker and difficult to defend. He's deceptive with fantastic vision. Cullen has the ability to draw attention and dish pucks to open linemates in high danger areas. He works to win pucks with his quickness. He's a better-than-average threat off the rush, but it's his small areas escapes and agility that stand out. Leans distributor more than shooter. Has the skill to drive a line. Bulk of his ice time will always come at even strength and the power play, but he has the hockey sense to kill penalties if required."
-Jason Bukala (Sportsnet)
6-2 | 180 | Goaltender
HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids, Minn.
LAST YEAR: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT CARTER:
"Casey's surface numbers weren't great, but I actually see Casey's high-end potential here. He's one of the most athletic goaltenders in the draft, never giving up on a play, no matter what. He can get a bit overzealous and allow some weak goals from time to time, but an NHL goaltending coach can help reel him in a bit. I like his glove hand, and he does a good job of giving shooters little to shoot at. There's a ton of talent here – but the consistency needs work."
-Steven Ellis (Daily Faceoff)
"Casey is another great mover with a smaller frame whom I see being picked in the 3rd round. He's blindingly fast and explosive with good upper-body control while his legs are in full motion. He reads cross-crease plays well and competes hard even in traffic with his smaller frame. Depth management and early butterfly drops are areas to monitor, but he can be a very rewarding pick down the line."
-Anni Karvinen (Dobber Prospects)
WYATT CULLEN
6-1 | 175 | Forward
HOMETOWN: Moorhead, Minn.
LAST YEAR: USNTDP U18's
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT WYATT:
"I thought Cullen looked like the most talented/dangerous player in this year’s tournament (U18 Worlds) with the puck on his stick. He showed handling (in both traffic and open ice), vision and deception, and blended it with his control of his inside and outside edges to twist, turn and maneuver his way around the offensive zone. He can try to play one-on-one a little too much, but he keeps his head and eyes up, the puck just glues to his stick, and his ability to attack on angles was very noticeable."
-Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)
"Cullen is a creative playmaker and difficult to defend. He's deceptive with fantastic vision. Cullen has the ability to draw attention and dish pucks to open linemates in high danger areas. He works to win pucks with his quickness. He's a better-than-average threat off the rush, but it's his small areas escapes and agility that stand out. Leans distributor more than shooter. Has the skill to drive a line. Bulk of his ice time will always come at even strength and the power play, but he has the hockey sense to kill penalties if required."
-Jason Bukala (Sportsnet)
TICKET INFORMATION
▸ Call 1-800-U-GOPHER ▸ Email GopherSports@umn.edu ▸ In-Person Help: 3M Arena at Mariucci Ticket Office (M-F 9-4)
