The Vancouver Canucks will enter the 2026 NHL Entry Draft with 10 picks. Most attention will be on their early selections, but one player is becoming an interesting option in the third round.

Rudolfs Berzkalns from Latvia is rising on draft boards and could be a target for Vancouver with the 78th overall pick, as reported by The Hockey News.

The Canucks have worked to improve their prospect depth in recent years, but they still want more size at center. Berzkalns fits that need. The Muskegon Lumberjacks center stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 204 pounds.

He uses his size well and continues to improve his two-way game, which has attracted attention from scouts across North America.

Rudolfs Berzkalns made big progress during the 2025-26 season. After scoring only eight points in his first USHL season, he improved to 25 points in his second year and helped the Muskegon Lumberjacks reach a second straight Clark Cup Final.

His improvement also showed in the rankings, as NHL Central Scouting moved him from 49th to 30th among North American skaters during the season.

Berzkalns has also gained important international experience with Latvia. He played in the last two World Junior Championships and scored his first tournament goal against Canada in 2026.

Those performances, along with his growing confidence, have helped increase his draft stock before the NHL Draft.

Why Rudolfs Berzkalns Could Be a Long-Term Fit in Vancouver

What makes Rudolfs Berzkalns especially appealing is his strong defensive game. He uses his size and long reach to break up passes, block shots, and force turnovers along the boards. His physical style helps him win puck battles and create possession for his team.

On offense, Berzkalns continues to improve. He finds open space well, adjusts his positioning based on the defense, and creates chances around the net. Scouts have also praised his work ethic and commitment to getting better, especially with his skating, which improved noticeably during the season.

Rudolfs Berzkalns will face his next challenge at Boston College after committing to the school for the 2026-27 season. Playing in the NCAA will give him tougher competition and help him continue improving his physical game and offensive skills.

For the Vancouver Canucks, Berzkalns could be an interesting option in the third round. His size, strong work ethic, and long-term potential make him a player worth considering if he is still available when Vancouver makes its pick.

What do you think? Could Rudolfs Berzkalns become a hidden gem in the 2026 NHL Draft and help strengthen the Vancouver Canucks' long-term depth at center?

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason