Filip Ruzicka, an 18-year-old goaltender from Trinec, Czechia, was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round, 137th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft, capping the Wild’s draft weekend with a massive addition to their prospect pool. Standing 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, Ruzicka is one of the largest goaltenders in the entire draft class.
Ruzicka made the jump from Czech junior hockey to the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings for his draft season, taking on a heavy workload as the team’s primary starter. Scouts note his strong net-front presence and ability to move well below the dots and operate effectively behind his net, traits that stand out even more given his enormous frame. His size alone makes him a long-term project worth betting on for a Wild organization looking to add physical depth to its goaltending pipeline.
Ruzicka played his draft season with Brandon, going 26-14-1 with a 3.19 GAA, a .906 save percentage, and two shutouts across 42 games, continuing his development as one of the biggest and most intriguing long-term goaltending prospects in this draft class.
Stats and info via EliteProspects.com & other media reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
What team drafted Filip Ruzicka? Filip Ruzicka was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round, 137th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft.
What team did Filip Ruzicka play for before the draft? He played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL.
How tall is Filip Ruzicka? He stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 230 pounds, making him one of the largest goaltenders in the 2026 draft class.
What’s Filip Ruzicka’s playing style? Scouts describe him as a goaltender with a strong net-front presence who moves well below the dots and handles play behind the net effectively for his size.
Where is Filip Ruzicka from? He’s from Trinec, Czechia, and played his draft season in the WHL after coming up through the Czech junior system.
