The Vancouver Canucks (25-49-8) enter the 2026 NHL Draft with two first-round picks and a chance to reshape the organization after finishing with the fewest points in the Western Conference.
Vancouver finished eighth in the Pacific Division and ended the season with a minus-100 goal differential, positioning the franchise near the top of the draft board.
But even with NHL Lottery was a loss. Despite having the best odds to win the No. 1 Pick, the Canucks dropped.
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Vancouver owns the No. 3 overall selection in the draft and also control Minnesota’s first-round pick at No. 24 overall. Vancouver acquired the Wild’s selection as part of the blockbuster Quinn Hughes trade completed Dec. 12. That deal sent Hughes to Minnesota in exchange for Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium and the first-round pick.
Recent Vancouver drafts have helped build much of the organization’s current core. The Canucks selected Elias Pettersson in 2017, Quinn Hughes in 2018 and Jonathan Lekkerimaki in 2022. Vancouver also used its first-round pick in 2025 on Braeden Cootes after selecting defenseman Tom Willander in the first round in 2023.
The 2026 NHL Draft will be held June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Here’s everything to know about the Vancouver Canucks’ NHL Draft outlook.
When Do The Vancouver Canucks Pick In The 2026 NHL Draft?
The Vancouver Canucks currently hold the No. 3 and No. 24 picks in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Vancouver secured the No. 3 overall selection after finishing with a 25-49-8 record during the 2025-26 season. The Canucks also own Minnesota’s first-round pick at No. 24 overall from the Quinn Hughes trade completed earlier in the season.
NHL Mock Draft 2026: Who Will The Vancouver Canucks Pick?
The Vancouver Canucks are projected to select Ivar Stenberg in the 2026 NHL Draft with the No. 3 pick and Ilia Morozov with the No. 24 pick.
FloHockey’s latest 2026 NHL Mock Draft projects Vancouver to take the Frolunda HC winter with the No. 3 overall pick. The mock draft described Stenberg as a complete passer, with arguably the best vision in the 2026 draft class. Additionally, the Miami (OH) center has one of the best motors of the draft class.
Who Did The Vancouver Canucks Draft In 2025?
The Vancouver Canucks selected Braeden Cootes in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Vancouver’s 2025 draft class featured six selections led by Cootes at No. 15 overall. The Canucks also drafted Alexei Medvedev, Kieren Dervin, Wilson Bjorck, Gabriel Chiarot and Matthew Lansing.
- Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds
- Alexei Medvedev, G, London Knights
- Kieren Dervin, C, St. Andrews College
- Wilson Bjorck, C, Djurgardens Jr.
- Gabriel Chiarot, R, Brampton Steelheads
- Matthew Lansing, C, Fargo Force
Has A Vancouver Canucks Player Ever Won The NHL Calder Memorial Trophy?
Yes, Vancouver Canucks players have won the NHL Calder Memorial Trophy.
Elias Pettersson won the Calder Trophy in 2019 after a standout rookie season with Vancouver. Pavel Bure also won the award in 1992 as one of the most dynamic rookies in NHL history.
Who Are The Vancouver Canucks Minor League Hockey Team Affiliates?
The Vancouver Canucks’ minor league affiliates are the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League and the Kalamazoo Wings in the ECHL.
The Abbotsford Canucks serve as Vancouver’s primary development team and have become a key part of the organization’s prospect pipeline. The Kalamazoo Wings operate as the club’s ECHL affiliate, providing additional development opportunities for younger players and depth prospects within the Canucks system.
Vancouver Canucks Missed The NHL Playoffs In 2026
The Vancouver Canucks missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season.
Vancouver finished 25-49-8 with 58 points and placed 10th in the Pacific Division standings. The Canucks allowed 316 goals during the season and finished with a minus-100 goal differential.
When Is The NHL Draft?
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place June 26-27 in Buffalo, New York.
The NHL Draft will be held at KeyBank Center and marks the 64th NHL Draft in league history. Players born between Jan. 1, 2006, and Sept. 15, 2008, are eligible for selection.
How To Watch 2026 NHL Draft Show With The Athletic Live On FloHockey
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FINAL NHL DRAFT RANKINGS!@chrismpeters has his final ranking for the 2026 NHL Draft featuring 75 players. See who made the list! https://t.co/R1ySGVbNEx@OHLHockey | @QMJHL | @LHJMQ | @USHL | @SHLse #nhldraft #ohl #qmjhl #ushl #shl pic.twitter.com/9rYqBfrxbQ
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