The Ducks signed 2026 first-round draft pick Marcus Nordmark to a three-year, entry-level contract on Wednesday.
He was one of two selections in the opening round for the Ducks, who entered the draft with no picks on Day 1 but landed a pair from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Mason McTavish.
While their first selection, Nikita Klepov at No. 15 overall, will have to wait to sign his pro deal since he will play at Michigan State next season, Nordmark wasted little time in inking his ELC after going 28th last month.
He will return to Djurgårdens in his native Sweden next season after picking up steam during last year’s campaign and excelling against his own age group in two international tournaments. He was part of a record seven Swedes selected in Round 1 last month and one of 16 players who represent a European country taken among 32 prospects on Day 1.
Draft projections varied more for him than most of his peers. Some observers believed his skill and imagination made him a potential lottery pick, while others slotted him outside the first round due his lack of a high motor and intense effort without the puck.
Nordmark acknowledged that a more even compete level and greater consistency were areas of emphasis, but also described his game based more on his fortes than his weak points.
“I’m a pretty smart player and a great playmaking guy. I like to score goals, and I like to play offensively,” Nordmark said at the draft.
He was part of a 2026 crop for the Ducks that prioritized ceilings over floors and sought to add to an already talented young core for the Ducks. Assistant general manager Martin Madden said there was little debate when he was still available at the end of Round 1.
“We had five forwards in mind, and by the time we got to 28, we didn’t want to miss out on Marcus,” Madden said. “The upside is huge. He’s fast. He’s skilled. He’s creative. We didn’t want anybody else to move up just in front of us and take him.”