Jan 30, 2024; Gangwon-do, KOR; Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (USA) skates with the puck while under pressure from Markus Ruck (CAN) and Adam Valentini (CAN) in the Ice Hockey Mens 6-on-6 Tournament Semifinals between Canada and (USA) at the Gangneung Hockey Centre. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, South Korea, Tuesday 30 January 2024. Mandatory Credit: OIS/Thomas Lovelock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2024; Gangwon-do, KOR; Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (USA) skates with the puck while under pressure from Markus Ruck (CAN) and Adam Valentini (CAN) in the Ice Hockey Mens 6-on-6 Tournament Semifinals between Canada and (USA) at the Gangneung Hockey Centre. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, South Korea, Tuesday 30 January 2024. Mandatory Credit: OIS/Thomas Lovelock-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ draft plan created strong buzz after an NHL reporter said the team had always planned to reunite the Ruck twins during the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft.
The attention grew after Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe of The Athletic posted about the team’s plan on X heading into Day 2.
Yohe wrote on X, “It sure sounds like the Penguins have every intention on drafting Markus Ruck tomorrow. I’d be surprised if they don’t. Dubas mentioned that they’ve never spent more than four days apart.”
The comment quickly spread among fans following Pittsburgh’s draft picks and the twins’ story.
Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas had already set expectations after picking Liam Ruck in the first round and made it clear Markus was still a target if he was available.
The team’s approach showed planning, not chance, and focused on keeping the brothers together in one system. With Markus still on the board going into Round 2, Pittsburgh’s plan looked clear to many around the league based on their draft moves and evaluations.
His post added to the growing belief around the league that Pittsburgh had already targeted Markus once Liam was picked in Round 1.
Ruck Twins Reunited as Penguins Complete Draft Plan
The expectation became reality in Round 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft, as reported by NHL.com, when Pittsburgh selected Markus Ruck at No. 39 after taking Liam in the first round. The move reunited the Medicine Hat Tigers teammates, who had only been apart for a short time after the draft.
According to NHL’s coverage, both brothers developed together in the WHL before entering the NHL system, which made their back-to-back selection a natural story for the organization.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas highlighted their strong bond and said they have rarely been separated, which helped the team feel comfortable drafting both players.
The story was also compared to the 1999 NHL Draft, when the Vancouver Canucks selected the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik.
After his selection, Markus told the team in a video shared via NHL.com, “I can’t wait to get started with Pittsburgh. I’m so excited.”
The emotional moment capped a draft strategy focused on chemistry and long-term development planning.
Pittsburgh’s twin selection adds emotion and long-term intrigue—but can the Ruck brothers turn their bond into NHL success together? Comment down below.
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi