A total of 32 goaltenders were selected in the 2026 NHL draft, the most since 2004. However, a late-round choice is the first one to sign with his new team.
The Minnesota Wild have signed 5th round pick (137th overall) Filip Ruzicka to a 3-year, entry-level contract this week, carrying an annual cap hit of $987,500. The organization has confirmed the massive Czechia native (6’8″ 229 LBS.) will return to Brandon in the WHL for his second season with the Wheat Kings.
Ruzicka made incredible strides during his draft season, with numerous scouting reports noting his marked improvement throughout the year. This includes his save percentage increasing from a respectable .906 during the regular season to a stellar .936 during the playoffs, coupled with a decrease in goals-against average of over half a goal during the post-season. This improvement was evident during Minnesota’s development camp, leading to a rare contract offer to a newly-drafted late-round pick.
Ruzicka represents 1 of just 3 draft picks the Wild had at its disposal this summer, the first not coming until the third round (their first round pick was used to acquire Quinn Hughes from Vancouver, and their second-round pick was used to acquire Gustav Nyquist in 2024-25). Although he was the last selection of the 3, he is the first to sign a contract with the organization. He will compete at the Wild’s upcoming training camp, where he will be given the opportunity to work with the Wild’s coaching staff before returning to his junior club.
