Right Wing
5’11/176
Right
Medicine Hat Tigers/WHL
Related: JP Hurlbert
Liam Ruck is a Canadian forward for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and is a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. A right-handed winger known for his elite goal-scoring instincts, he often plays alongside his identical twin brother, Markus Ruck, a playmaking center. He is a two-way forward with a “high motor” and strong offensive instincts. Scouts highlight his quick shot release and his ability to excel in “dirty areas” around the net. Displays explosive acceleration, excellent quickness, and strong edge work used to create separation and evade defenders. Liam’s Hockey sense and his motor are elite, which makes him a favorite for his coaches and scouts. Projected as a reliable, steady middle-six NHL player contributing on the penalty kill, and could develop as an asset on the power play as a net-front presence. His combination of work ethic, offensive capability, and high IQ could make Ruck a multi-category fantasy contributor. Ruck could draw comparisons with various players, anywhere from Sam Steel to Troy Terry. Ruck’s landing spot in the 2026 NHL Draft will go a long way in determining his long-term potential. If he gets selected by a young rebuilding team, he will have more runway to develop into a middle-six contributor.
Size/Strength Average
Skating Great
Shot/Scoring Great
Puckhandling Good
Physical Play Average
Offensive Play Great
Defensive Average
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Excellent
Strength
1. Ruck is considered the “finisher” of the Ruck twins. He has an exceptional ability to find scoring areas and possesses a quick, lethal release that makes him a constant threat in the slot.
2. Liam is known for his relentless motor and willingness to go to “dirty areas” (around the net and along the boards) to win battles and generate scoring chances.
3. Scouts praise his high hockey IQ and positional awareness. He is trusted by coaches in all situations, including the penalty kill, and rarely loses his assignment in the defensive zone.
Areas of Improvement
1. Like many young prospects, he needs to continue adding muscle to his frame to be more effective in heavy physical situations and board battles at the professional level.
2. Standing at 6’0″ and 176 lbs, his lack of massive size is noted as a potential hurdle, though his hockey sense often compensates for it.
3. While he is a good skater, some scouting reports suggest he lacks “elite” top-end speed and would benefit from adding more “burst” to his game to truly impact play at the highest levels.
Scouting Report
Liam Ruck is a highly touted 2026 NHL Draft prospect currently playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL. He is primarily known as a highly skilled, offensive-minded winger who plays a complete 200-foot game. Liam is having a fantastic 2025-26 campaign, playing alongside his twin, scoring 45 goals, 59 assists and 104 points in 68 games. Ruck represented Canada at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring 2 goals and 3 points in 5 points. Ruck is known as a two-way forward with a high motor and strong offensive instincts; he excels around the net and generates scoring chances with his aggressive style of play, thanks to his strong forecheck and strong positioning. One of his greatest assets is his shot; he has a quick release and is a threat in the slot. Beyond scoring, he is a high-level setup man with excellent vision. He excels in quick, one-touch puck movements that keep offensive plays flowing. Ruck is a strong skater with explosive acceleration and very good quickness. His edge work allows him to create separation from defenders and evade pressure effectively. Scouts praise his high hockey IQ and positional awareness. He is trusted by coaches in all situations, including the penalty kill, and rarely loses his assignment in the defensive zone. Ruck is known for his relentless motor and willingness to go to “dirty areas” (around the net and along the boards) to win battles and generate scoring chances. Like many young prospects, he needs to continue adding muscle to his frame to be more effective in heavy physical situations and board battles at the professional level. While he is a good skater, some scouting reports suggest he lacks “elite” top-end speed and would benefit from adding more “burst” to his game to truly impact play at the highest levels. Projected as a reliable, steady middle-six NHL player contributing on the penalty kill, and could develop as an asset on the power play as a net-front presence. His combination of work ethic, offensive capability, and high IQ could make him comparable to Zach Hyman, a reliable goal scoring winger and net front presence for the Edmonton Oilers. Scouts frequently compare Liam and his twin brother Markus to the Sedin twins. Liam takes on the “Daniel Sedin” role as the primary goal scorer, while Markus acts as the “Henrik” playmaker. This unique “twin telepathy” is seen as a significant part of his potential, leading some analysts to argue that an NHL team—specifically the Vancouver Canucks—should target both to maximize their chemistry.
Skill: A competitive two-way forward with a high motor, often driving his line through sheer work ethic and strong positioning.
NHL Comparable: Zach Hyman
NHL Potential: Middle 6 Winger Two Way Forward
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | PTS |
| 2024-25 | Medicine Hat Tigers | WHL | 79 | 31 | 51 |
| 2025-26 | Canada U18 | Hlinka Gretzky Cup | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Medicine Hat Tigers | WHL | 70 | 45 | 106 |
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