Paragon Sports Consulting is proud to congratulate Jayden Kurtz on being selected by the Anaheim Ducks with the 45th overall pick (Second Round) in the 2026 NHL Draft, marking another significant milestone in his hockey journey.
Kurtz entered the draft as one of the premier defensemen in the 2026 class following an outstanding season split between Rogers High School and the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. The 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman recorded 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists) in 26 games at Rogers before gaining valuable USHL experience with Chicago. His combination of size, mobility, offensive instincts, and defensive reliability made him one of the most highly regarded blueliners available in this year’s draft.
Throughout the pre-draft process, Kurtz continued to elevate his stock. He finished the season ranked No. 61 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, participated in the 2026 NHL Scouting Combine, and met with approximately 20 NHL organizations before hearing his name called in Buffalo. His impressive testing results and mature approach throughout the evaluation process reinforced what NHL teams had seen all season.
The Anaheim Ducks selected a defenseman with tremendous long-term upside and a development path that continues to trend upward. Before beginning his NCAA career at the University of Wisconsin, Kurtz will return to the Chicago Steel for the 2026-27 USHL season, where he will continue developing against elite junior competition. His blend of size, skating ability, and hockey IQ positions him well for success at both the collegiate and professional levels.
“Jayden has earned every bit of this opportunity through his work ethic, commitment to development, and willingness to embrace every challenge,” said Colby Drost, Principal of Paragon Sports Consulting. “Being selected by Anaheim is an incredible achievement, but it’s also just the beginning. The Chicago Steel provide an outstanding environment for his continued development, and we’re excited to watch him take the next step before ultimately moving on to Wisconsin and pursuing his dream of playing in the NHL.”
Jayden becomes the latest Paragon Sports Consulting client to hear his name called in the NHL Draft, further reflecting the organization’s commitment to helping athletes maximize their potential on and off the ice.
Everyone at Paragon Sports Consulting congratulates Jayden, his family, coaches, and teammates on this unforgettable accomplishment. We look forward to following his continued development with the Anaheim Ducks organization, the Chicago Steel, and the University of Wisconsin.
