2026 NHL DRAFT PROFILE | Brayden Klimpke
A lifelong dream for Saskatoon Blades defenceman Brayden Klimpke could become reality in less than two weeks at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
“I think every kid’s goal that plays hockey in Western Canada is to hear their name called on (NHL) draft night,” said Klimpke, “It’s something I’ve thought about a lot.”
A late 2007 birthday, this year marks the first time the Calgary, AB native is eligible for the NHL draft. The 6-foot-1 defenceman had a breakout year in his sophomore Western Hockey League (WHL) season. Following an impressive 2024-25 rookie campaign with three goals and 23 assists for 26 points in 59 games, the left-handed shot was named an alternate captain ahead of the 2025-26 season. Klimpke scored a career-high 47 points (4G, 43A) while playing all 68 regular season games for the Blue and Gold. The NHL Draft-eligible defenceman shined in the postseason to help the Blades advance to the second round, upsetting the third-seeded Edmonton Oil Kings in Round 1. Klimpke registered a goal and three assists in the seven-game series against Edmonton, eliminating the Oil Kings 3-2 in Game 7 overtime. In 11 postseason games, Klimpke registered five points (1G, 4A) while averaging around 30 minutes a night against the opposition’s top lines. Klimpke’s efforts earned him the Tanner Molendyk Award for the team’s defenceman of the year and team’s MVP Award.
Klimpke cracked NHL Central Scouting’s Rankings three times this season. The 18-year-old finalized at 74th overall amongst North American Skaters in April, five higher than his midterm ranking in January. Klimpke hopes to be drafted alongside fellow teammates and Calgary natives Zach Olsen and Cooper Williams.
“It helps a lot when you’ve got guys here with you (Olsen, Williams) and kind of go through the experience together,” said Klimpke, “We’ll be there for each other and there to help out.
Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft kicks off on Friday, Jun. 26 at KeyBank Centre in Buffalo, NY at 5:00pm MT. Rounds 2-7 start the following day at 9:00am MT.
