Capitals 2026 Draft Targets: Markus & Liam Ruck

Liam finished second in league scoring behind his linemate after scoring 45 goals and totaling 104 points for the Tigers. His 45 goals were tied with Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford for second in the WHL, trailing only Dallas Stars prospect forward Cameron Schmidt (51 goals). Liam is one of the fastest risers in the draft this season due to his offensive breakout. With more commitment to the defensive end of the rink, Ruck could develop into a reliable forward at the NHL level. Liam’s draft projections range widely from a potential lottery selection to a high-end second-round choice. 

What Are the Experts Saying?

Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala praised Markus’ role as a playmaker and competitiveness ahead of the draft. “He’s a distributor more than a shooter and possesses fantastic vision and puck touch. His skating will have to continue to improve before he arrives in the NHL, but his competitive approach combined with his skill are attractive in the first round for me.” Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis offers a similar mindset by complimenting the center’s tenacity. “While Liam is the more offensively minded twin, Markus chased after opponents and often got the puck where it needed to be.” 

SMAHT Scouting’s Tom Watson indicated Liam possesses elite offensive upside. “I think Ruck has elite offensive tools that not too many other players in this draft class can boast.” TSN’s Craig Button agreed in his evaluation of the winger this spring. “Liam has more finishing ability [than Markus], and his ability in and around the net is really good. He knows how and when to get open, has a really good shot.” 

Fit in Capitals’ Prospect Pool

Markus would help to fill one of the biggest needs in Washington’s prospect pool as a left-handed center. With Ilya Protas graduating to the NHL at the end of last season, the prospects at the pivot position have become thin for the Capitals. Milton Gastrin, a 2025 second-round selection, has arrived from Europe to join the Hersey Bears for the 2025-26 season, but the rest of Washington’s high-end prospects are wingers like Terik Parascak, Andrew Cristall, and Lynden Lakovic. 

As for Liam, it never hurts to add a scoring punch to the lineup. Parascak was the highest-scoring forward in the Capitals system last season after amassing 79 points in 61 games for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. Liam produced 25 more points than the Capitals’ first-rounder from the 2024 Draft. Both twins would instantly vault to the top of the Capitals prospect depth chart in terms of scoring. 

Should the Capitals Draft Them?

Both players are expected to be available in the middle of the first round when Washington makes its selections at 16th and 18th overall. While it would make an awesome story to select the duo, it would also serve a need to add additional scoring to the system. The Capitals could potentially roll out a lineup featuring a pair of Protas brothers and a pair of Ruck twins in the coming seasons. 

Markus and Liam have fed off each other their entire hockey careers, and keeping them together at the professional level seems like a smart play for an NHL front office. Washington might have a bigger need to add a right-shot defender to the mix, but it should definitely consider this unique opportunity at the 2026 NHL Draft.