Liam Ruck

Liam Ruck
Rankings
Other THW Draft Profiles
Liam Ruck — NHL Draft Projection
Quotables
Strengths
Under Construction — Improvements to Make
NHL Potential
Awards/Achievements
Interviews/Links
Liam Ruck Stats
Videos

2025-26 Team: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Date of Birth: Feb. 21, 2008
Place of Birth: Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada
Ht: 6-feet Wt: 176 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible

Rankings

NHL Central Scouting: 26th (among NA skaters)
Andrew Forbes’ April Rankings: 38th
Dayton Reimer’s March Rankings: 28th
Peter Baracchini’s March Rankings: 15th
Craig Button/TSN: 10th
Sam Cosentino/Sportsnet: 25th
SMAHT Scouting: 39th
Gabriel Foley’s Rankings: 39th

Liam Ruck’s excellent 2025-26 season has helped him climb up draft boards considerably. Playing alongside his twin brother Markus, he established himself as both a goal scorer and distributor to help guide the Medicine Hat Tigers to the second-best record in the Western Hockey League and a lengthy playoff run.

Ruck’s biggest strength is unquestionably his offense. He is an incredibly intelligent offensive player, always aware of the situation on the ice and able to make quick decisions with the puck. Although not particularly flashy, he almost always makes the correct play, even while doing an excellent job at disguising his next move. He constantly finds himself around the puck due to his ability to anticipate where it will go. He uses his size to drive to the net and is a very good finisher at close range, thanks to being unafraid of placing himself right around the crease. Playing with his twin probably helps him make certain connections, but his smarts should help him adjust to the NHL regardless of whether the two get drafted to the same team.

Offensively, Ruck could afford to play in a way that welcomes more physicality. His game is so smart that he is often able to make plays before defenders can get to him, but as the level of defense increases as he advances to the NHL, he’ll want to become less afraid of contact.

Ruck’s main concern seems to be his defensive engagement. He certainly has some talent on that end — he is a decent forechecker and uses his intelligence to put himself in good positions, especially on the penalty kill. However, during even-strength defensive-zone shifts, he doesn’t get involved in plays and puck battles as much as he should, often sitting back and staying out of the way. That certainly holds value sometimes, and he’s certainly not overly aggressive, but he could afford to be more assertive as he seeks to advance his career.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Liam Ruck — NHL Draft Projection

Ruck has improved his draft stock a lot this season. Right now, he looks like a mid-to-late first-round pick. However, the NHL Entry Draft almost always features at least one riser who makes their way into the lottery, and Ruck is absolutely a candidate to do so this year.

Quotables

“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.” – Craig Button, TSN

“He doesn’t dazzle you with individual skill, but he does make plays and his quick decision making allows him to pace the game as he wants.” – Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet

“I think Ruck has elite offensive tools that not too many other players in this draft class can boast. Watch him play and concentrate on what he’s doing when he doesn’t have the puck in the offensive zone. You’ll see a keen awareness of where players are and incredible anticipation as well. He’s always working into great positions and when the puck is on his stick he has the skill to deliver quick one touch passes, often catching defenders off-guard and finding his teammates in dangerous areas to shoot.” – Tom Watson, SMAHT Scouting

Strengths

Offensive intelligence
Anticipation
Positioning
Around-the-net play

Under Construction — Improvements to Make

Physicality
Defensive engagement

NHL Potential

Ruck’s intelligence and maturity are qualities that any NHL team would want on their roster. Thanks to his offensive ability, his most likely career outcome is as a middle-six winger who can contribute to the power play. Dobber Prospects states that his pro comparison ranges from Sam Steel to Troy Terry.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 1.5, Reward – 4.5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 9/10, Defense – 5/10