Luke Wilfley sat watching the 2026 NHL Draft last weekend hoping to see players he had played with and against see their NHL dreams get closer.

He never thought he would be one of the 224 names called.

“I was watching the draft with my family, not expecting anything,” said Wilfley, an Englewood native. “I knew there was a low chance of me getting drafted, but it was so much fun to watch players I’ve played with and players I know that were drafted. My agent called during the sixth round, just as I saw my name go up on the draft board, and he said, ‘Are you ready to be a Devil?’

“It was such a surreal and humbling experience. I couldn’t be more grateful and honored to go to a program like New Jersey and how honored I am. Them taking a chance on me means the world.”

The Devils used the 172nd overall pick on Wilfley, who put up nine goals and six assists in 2025-26 with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks.

Portland originally selected Wilfley with a second-round pick (39th overall) in the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

“I want to give all the credit to my family who have stuck with me through thick and thin,” Wilfley said. “Also, my former and current coaches, and my advisor, all of whom have mentored me, taught me, and guided me. I am also grateful to the Portland Winterhawks for giving me an opportunity in the WHL, my billets, Heather and Devon, for giving me a second home, and lastly, my teammates who push me and support me through every peak and valley.

“Last season was amazing and I learned so much, on the ice and off the ice. It was such an amazing experience with great teammates and a supportive staff, especially (Portland assistant coach) Sven Bartschi, who took the time to go through video and connect at a personal level, making the transition to junior hockey easier. Portland became a second home to me and I was so excited every day getting to the rink.”

Wilfley will head back to Portland for his second WHL season in 2026-27.

“Expectations are the same going in as last season,” said Wilfley. “I know I will have to earn every minute. Nothing is given in the Western Hockey League. I’m just so excited to go there and continue to learn from my coaches and be pushed my teammates. I really hope I can continue to contribute more and continue to grow as a player.”

And while being taken in the draft is just part of the journey, it’s a step Wilfley knows he can build on and keep moving his game forward.

“Getting drafted was such a special moment, but it is just a step forward in the process,” Wilfley said. “My dream has always been to play in the NHL and win the Stanley Cup. I know it’s a long road for any player to get there. The Devils have four years to decide if they’d like to sign me, so in the meantime, all I can do is stay consistent and show up every day giving 100%. It only gets more and more difficult the higher you go, but that’s also where it becomes the most fun.

“Once again , I want to send a special thank you to the New Jersey Devils for drafting me, and for the opportunity to attend their development camp (June 29-July 2). It was truly a special experience. I also want to say thank you to the Portland Winterhawks and staff for everything they do.”

An Arizona State commit, Wilfley grew up playing for the DU Jr. Pioneers, Krivo School of Hockey Elite, Colorado Thunderbirds and Okanagan Hockey Colorado.

Photo/Keith Dwiggins

— Matt Mackinder

(July 3, 2026)