The Ruck Effect: Could Liam Ruck and His Brother Transform the St. Louis Blues?
When looking ahead to the 2026 NHL Draft, most eyes are on the traditional powerhouses. However, a fascinating narrative is emerging around the St. Louis Blues. With four first-round picks potentially in their pocket, the Blues are in a prime position to completely overhaul their prospect pool and inject new energy into their roster.
One of the most intriguing theories floating around the hockey world—championed by TSN’s Craig Button—is the idea of the Blues selecting the Ruck twins, Liam Ruck and Markus Ruck, with back-to-back picks at 15 and 16. But what exactly makes Liam Ruck such a compelling target for NHL scouts?
Liam Ruck: A Goal-Scoring Powerhouse
During the 2025-26 season with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Liam Ruck proved himself to be an offensive force. While his twin brother Markus excels in playmaking, Liam has carved out a reputation as a lethal finisher from the wing. His stats speak for themselves:
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- Goals: 45
- Total Points: 104
- League Standing: One of the top scorers in both the WHL and CHL.
Because of his natural ability to find the back of the net, Liam Ruck is frequently ranked higher than his brother in various mock drafts. His offensive instincts and high hockey IQ allow him to navigate the ice and create scoring opportunities that few other prospects can match.
The High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
Despite the dazzling offensive numbers, the road to the NHL isn’t without its hurdles. Scouts have noted two primary areas where Liam and Markus need improvement:
- Skating: Their skating fluidity is considered below the average for top-tier first-round picks.
- Defensive Play: Their 200-foot game is not yet as polished as other eligible players in the draft.
The big question facing GMs is whether Liam’s elite hockey intelligence can mask these physical shortcomings, or if his skating can be coached up to professional standards. If the St. Louis Blues take the gamble, they aren’t just drafting a player; they are drafting a lifelong chemistry. Much like the legendary Sedin twins or the Sutter brothers, the Ruck twins offer a symbiotic connection on the ice that is nearly impossible to teach.
What’s Next for Liam Ruck?
The journey doesn’t end with the draft. Liam and Markus are expected to return to Medicine Hat for the 2026-27 season to further refine their game before transitioning to collegiate hockey at the University of North Dakota in 2027-28.
While some analysts believe taking the Ruck twins this high in the first round is a risk, the potential payoff is massive. If Liam Ruck translates his WHL dominance to the professional level, the St. Louis Blues could be looking at the cornerstone of their next great era.
