Ahead of the June 26-27th NHL Draft, KSTP Sports caught up with recent Rogers high school graduate and defenseman Jayden Kurtz and Rogers boys hockey coach David Brown.

Whether the Kings, Capitals, Devils, or another NHL franchise, Kurtz will learn who will control his draft rights. He’ll play for Chicago in the AHL next year, then transition to college hockey and the Wisconsin Badgers thereafter.

Kurtz is No. 61 on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American players. He’s the highest-rated high school player on Central Scouting’s list and a projected second or third-round pick.

***Click the video box above to watch our full interviews with Kurtz and Brown***

Kurtz had 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists) in 26 games at Rogers this past season and was named a finalist for Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award. He also had three points (one goal, two assists) in 16 games with Chicago at the end of its regular season.

As a former forward, Kurtz told us that he can contribute plenty on the offensive end. Wild defenseman Brock Faber, who’s offensive game keeps growing, is a player that Kurtz tries to model his game after.

***Click the video box below to watch the edited story on Kurtz or if on our app, swipe to the right***

At 6-foot-3 and over 190-pounds with great skating ability, there’s a lot for NHL front offices to like.

Kurtz had recent success at the NHL Draft Combine. He performed well during athletic testing, and thought he had good conversations with teams.

Instead of attending the draft in Buffalo, Kurtz is choosing to stay home and celebrate with many family and friends.

For Related Stories: 2026 NHL Draft  High School Sports  Jayden Kurtz  Rogers Royals  Sports Features