Sixteen Minnesotans heard their names called at the NHL Draft this weekend in Los Angeles — more than any other state by a wide margin. Illinois came in second with five players selected.
Two Minnesota natives were taken in the first round: Logan Hensler of Woodbury, selected 23rd overall by the Ottawa Senators, and Mason West of Edina, chosen by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago’s selection of West continues a clear trend — the Blackhawks have now drafted a Minnesotan in five of the last six drafts, including three first-round picks: Oliver Moore (2023), Sam Rinzel (2022), Connor Kelley (2021, Maple Grove), and Wyatt Kaiser (2020, Andover).
| Round/Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1/23 | Logan Hensler | Senators |
| 1/29 | Mason West | Blackhawks |
| 2/35 | Jacob Rombach | Predators |
| 2/50 | Conrad Fondrk | Devils |
| 3/79 | Cooper Simpson | Bruins |
| 3/80 | Maceo Phillips | Flames |
| 3/90 | Mason Moe | Devils |
| 3/93 | Blake Vanek | Senators |
| 4/109 | Brent Solomon | Red Wings |
| 5/137 | William Belle | Maple Leafs |
| 5/138 | Sam Laurila | Islanders |
| 6/167 | Ashton Schultz | Sabres |
| 7/193 | Caleb Heil | Lightning |
| 7/196 | Brendan McMorrow | Kings |
| 7/202 | Jacob Kvasnicka | Islanders |
| 7/214 | Nolan Roed | Avalanche |