With their final pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Bruins used the 216th selection to take Cullen McCrate of the USHL’s Fargo Force.
The Michigan State commit flew under the radar, posting 10 goals and 20 assists over 61 games from the Fargo blue line, then adding another goal and three assists in nine playoff appearances — a quietly productive season that didn’t get nearly the attention it deserved.
With his 6‑foot‑2 frame, McCrate brings a physical edge and a hard‑nosed approach, all while keeping his game straightforward. He thrives in board battles — and more often than not, he comes out on top. His compete level is consistently high, and when he’s dialed in, he can take over the physical side of the game.
He projects cleanly to the pro game as a shutdown, physical defender — the type who can kill penalties, disrupt plays, and handle the heavy lifting in front of his own net.
Other elements of his game will need refinement. His skating has taken a step forward, but adding more speed and mobility would go a long way — particularly in puck retrievals, defending against pressure, and giving him the option to join the rush. And while he produced at the USHL level, it’s still unclear how much of that offense will carry over once he hits the NCAA.
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