Needham native Rian Chudzinski heard his name called 82nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft, held in Buffalo, N.Y.

The 18-year-old right wing stands 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds. He spent the 2025-26 season with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he posted 21 goals, 17 assists, and 38 points in 54 games with a plus-30 rating, according to the Ducks' official announcement. He ranked third among QMJHL rookies in scoring and tied for 11th in goals.

Chudzinski kept producing in the postseason, adding 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 21 playoff games with Moncton.

His EliteProspects scouting profile describes him as "a missile in pursuit of the puck" who "hunts down loose pucks and bowls over any opponents in his way."

Before jumping to major junior hockey, Chudzinski played at Dexter Southfield School during the 2024-25 season, where he tallied 27 goals and 25 assists for 52 points in just 28 games. He previously skated at St. Sebastian's School and with the Boston Jr. Eagles AAA program.

Chudzinski was one of nine players the Ducks selected in this year's draft. Anaheim's class, which earned an A-minus grade from Bleacher Report, also included first-round picks Nikita Klepov (15th overall) and Marcus Nordmark (28th overall). The Ducks invited all nine selections to their Development Camp, held Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, at Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena in Irvine, Calif.

The Needham product is committed to Boston University, according to his Neutral Zone profile. He has not yet signed a contract with Anaheim, and his 2026-27 playing destination has not been officially confirmed.