BUFFALO, NY – The Colorado Avalanche selected Muskegon Lumberjacks defenseman Teddy Lechner with the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft on Saturday, making him the fourth member of the 2025-26 Lumberjacks roster to hear his name called.
A native of Bloomington, Minnesota, Lechner split the 2025-26 season between Muskegon and the Academy of Holy Angels, where he also competed at the high school level. During his time with the Lumberjacks, he provided a steady, reliable presence on the blue line, posting a +7 rating in 21 regular-season games while adding two assists.
Lechner elevated his game during the Clark Cup Playoffs, matching his regular season point total with two assists in 14 postseason contests while helping Muskegon reach its second consecutive Clark Cup Final.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, Lechner pairs above-average mobility with an explosive first step, allowing him to impact the game in all three zones. His skating ability, strong defensive instincts, and willingness to join the rush have made him one of the more intriguing long-term defensive prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft class.
Lechner becomes the fourth player from Muskegon's 2025-26 roster to be selected in the 2026 NHL Draft and the fifth player with ties to the organization to earn NHL Draft recognition this weekend. Following the conclusion of his junior career, Lechner is committed to continue his development at Augustana University, where he will compete in the CCHA.
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About the Muskegon Lumberjacks
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. The club's goal is to create an environment where student-athletes develop into successful young men, both on and off the ice. This includes playing the game the right way while maintaining academic excellence in the classroom and staying actively involved in the West Michigan community. The organization is committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and top-notch family entertainment while serving as positive role models for the youth and local community.
