Spokane, WASH. — Spokane Chiefs forward Tyus Sparks became the second highest-drafted Idaho-born player in NHL history Saturday when the Washington Capitals selected him in the fourth round, 101st overall, in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft.
Sparks, a 6-foot forward from Meridian, Idaho, joined the Chiefs through a mid-season trade in January 2026 and went on to lead the team in scoring. He finished the season with 65 points and 28 goals overall, recording 12 goals and 16 assists in his 29 games as a Chief.
The selection makes Sparks just the fourth Idaho-born player ever drafted into the NHL.
He becomes the fourth Spokane Chief ever selected by Washington and the first since Hughes in 2020.
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