Saskatchewan connections to this year’s NHL draft

Calgary Flames legend Lanny McDonald and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman with Cole Reschny, the club's first pick Friday night at the NHL draft in Los Angeles.

The Western Hockey League produced 33 picks in this year’s NHL Entry Draft including a handful with connections to Saskatchewan.

The first player off the board from Saskatchewan was Roger McQueen, who hails from Saskatoon and plays for the Brandon Wheat Kings, selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. The six foot five, 198 pound centre heard his name called by actor Joshua Jackson, who portrayed Charlie Conway in the iconic Mighty Ducks movie franchise. McQueen won gold with Canada at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Hockey Championship.

The Calgary Flames were the next to select a Saskatchewan-born skater at number 18. Cole Reschny (5′11, 180lbs) had 26 goals and 66 assists for the Victoria Royals this season. He’s touted as a player with a high hockey IQ and good instincts. The Macklin, Sask. native will play at the University of North Dakota next season.

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Moose Jaw Warriors star Lynden Lakovic was taken off the board by the Washington Capitals, 27th overall, on Friday night. The product of West Kelowna, B.C. led the Warriors in points with 58 in 47 games this season and was the team leader on and off the ice.

Swift Current Broncos defenceman Peyton Kettels has a new home with the Pittsburgh Penguins after being selected 39th overall on Saturday. Kettles saw his stock rise down the stretch of the WHL season. Originally, the Winnipeg-born skater was projected to be a 3rd to 4th round pick. Kettles had five goals and 14 points for the Broncos while playing a rough and tumble brand of defence.

Dusseldorf, Germany import and Saskatoon Blades forward David Lewandowski was the final player with a Saskatchewan connection to be taken this weekend. The Stanley Cup runner-up Edmonton Oilers chose him at 117th overall. Lewandowski had 15 goals and 48 points for the Blades this season and suited up for his native Germany in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World Junior Hockey Championships.

NHL teams will now begin the process of signing or inviting any undrafted players that they had their eyes on.