Photo credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Vancouver Canucks are currently in second to last place in the NHL, but they are favourites to finish last in the league due to the fact that the Chicago Blackhawks are without Connor Bedard for the time being, meaning the Canucks are the favourites to get the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft.
“The next couple of months are going to be very interesting for the Vancouver Canucks organization, and Patrik Allvin, along with President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford, need to do everything in their power to ensure this group is set up for success in the years to come.”-Jaxon
Vancouver Canucks favourites to draft Gavin McKenna.
Steveroller7 posted on X the NHL Mock Draft for 2026, it had the Vancouver Canucks picking first, and picking McKenna. Even though they aren’t in last place, one the Blackhawks get Bedard back they will surely climb the standings again.
Merry Christmas Canucks fans!
While McKenna has come under criticism as of late, due to his lack of production in the NCAA, the Canucks need some scoring, so it is unlikely they go to Verhoeff or Lawrence . McKenna is still the unanimous number one pick but Stenberg has been making some noise over in the SHL, and he could be making the leap over McKenna. The World Juniors starting tomorrow will be a big indicator on who will go number one, but if it were to happen today McKenna would be the choice.
While it might be exciting for Canucks fans to have the first overall pick, it’s discouraging at the same time to see how far the team has fallen from only two years ago. From first in the Pacific to a hybrid retool and the first overall pick, it’s hard to believe how much damage has happened in only a short amount of time.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
POLL
06 MINUTES AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 2 ANSWERS
If the 2026 NHL entry draft took place today, the Vancouver Canucks would get Gavin McKenna
Will The Vancouver Canucks draft Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick?