An interesting card about Kyle Dubas’ draft tendency dropped on social media.
The graphic condenses a lot of the information and analysis we’ve done earlier on the subject.
One interesting area was just how much 2026 fed into past tendencies. Four of the six selections made were from the CHL – though the importance of that designation is fading since all the players are already committed to play in the NCAA in the future. Such is the flow of talent these days. The other two selections were from Europe.
The first four players drafted were all listed at 6’ and under 170 pounds. There were no ‘big’ players drafted. Two of the total selections were re-entry picks and based on most pre-draft rankings, there was some off the board projection by taking Liam Ruck 22nd overall and Tomas Galvas 54th.
Dubas continued his prior reputation by going on skill and not on size. Between the Ruck twins, Galvas and Pierce Mbuyi, the Penguins used their first four picks on players with high ceilings based on their hockey IQ and some dynamic skill at lower levels. That fits his M.O. to a tee. Now if only to fast forward a few years and see how they will pan out, but the Pens can probably expect this established pattern to continue in the future for the very distinct profile of players that Dubas and his staff target on draft day.
