Markus Ruck

ANALYSIS
It's a happy reunion for the Ruck family in Pittsburgh. Playing alongside his twin brother Liam, who was the No. 22 overall pick by the Penguins, for Medicine Hat, Markus led the WHL in both assists (87) and points (108) in 68 games this past season. Gavin McKenna's move to Penn State opened up a ton of minutes for the Tigers, and Ruck took full advantage. More of a playmaker than finisher, Ruck is probably a long-term center, but that's not a guarantee given his inconsistencies in the faceoff circle. As the assist numbers would suggest, Markus is very good in open space and an asset with the man advantage. Betting on a forward that is a shade under 6-foot and just 170 pounds is risky business, but Ruck is defensively responsible and can kill penalties, so that helps raise his floor some. The Ruck twins are 2027-28 commits to the University of North Dakota.