The Vancouver Canucks are set to make a pivotal selection with the third overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft, held Friday in Buffalo. Unless the Toronto Maple Leafs deviate from expectations and bypass Gavin McKenna, the Canucks will be choosing between OHL defenceman Chase Reid and SHL winger Ivar Stenberg, two players who could significantly shape the franchise's rebuild.
McKenna Expected First Overall
Gavin McKenna, a dynamic NCAA winger from Penn State, is widely projected to go first overall to the Maple Leafs. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, posted 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 college games after transferring from the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers. His 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 WHL games in 2024-25 and 14 points in seven world junior contests underscore his elite offensive ceiling. According to one scout, McKenna possesses "hockey sense and ability to see the play before it develops and makes correct play consistently. Greatest skill is creating time and space." However, the scout noted that McKenna, who entered college as a 17-year-old freshman, faces older, stronger competition, making development patience essential.
Canucks' Top Targets at No. 3
If McKenna is off the board, the Canucks are expected to focus on Chase Reid or Ivar Stenberg. Reid, a right-shot defenceman from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL), recorded 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) in 45 games. Scouts praise his skating, hockey sense, and power-play quarterback potential. One scout compared him to Drew Doughty, stating, "He can do everything. ... The only defenceman I have with a high probability of being a No. 1." The Canucks' need on defence is acute after trading captain Quinn Hughes and potentially moving veteran Filip Hronek. Reid could form a top pairing with Zeev Buium, who had a strong rookie season.
Ivar Stenberg, a left winger from Frolunda HC in the SHL, tallied 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games, the fifth-most by an 18-year-old in SHL history and the most since Daniel Sedin (42 points) and Henrik Sedin (34 points) in 1998-99. He also contributed 10 points in seven world junior games, helping Sweden win gold, and eight points at the men's world championship. Scouts highlight his two-way game and NHL readiness. One scout noted, "McKenna may score more but Stenberg also has elite, top-line skill," adding that Stenberg's defensive play sets him apart.
Other Candidates for No. 3
The Canucks also consider centre Caleb Malhotra of the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL), who had 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games. Scouts compare him to Trevor Linden for his responsible two-way play and leadership. Malhotra's father, former NHLer Manny Malhotra, is the Canucks' head coach, but the prospect has said that dynamic would not be an issue. Defencemen Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars, WHL) and Keaton Verhoeff (University of North Dakota, NCAA) are also in the mix. Carels, a left-shot defenceman, posted 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games, drawing comparisons to Charlie McAvoy. Verhoeff, a right-shot defender, had 20 points in 36 NCAA games as a 17-year-old rookie, with scouts comparing him to Aaron Ekblad for his size and strength.
Second-Round Targets at No. 24
With the 24th pick, the Canucks are expected to target a centre with size. Leading candidates include Maddox Dagenais of the Quebec Remparts (QMJHL), who produced 62 points (30 goals, 32 assists) in 62 games, including 25 power-play points. Scouts compare him to Fraser Minten, a 6-foot-2 centre who improved to 35 points this season with the Boston Bruins. Ilya Morozov, a 6-foot-3 centre from Miami of Ohio (NCAA), had 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) in 36 games and is praised for his work ethic and two-way play. Casey Mutryn, a right winger/centre from the U.S. National Team Development Program, is a power forward candidate who captained the U.S. under-18 team and had 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in 62 games, with 10 power-play goals.
Rebuilding the Roster
The Canucks' rebuild is in its early stages after a season where they scored the second-fewest goals in the NHL and surrendered the most. Rookie general manager Ryan Johnson and director of amateur scouting Todd Harvey face a crucial test in selecting a franchise cornerstone. While McKenna remains a long shot at 10 per cent odds, Reid and Stenberg are seen as 50 per cent and 25 per cent likely picks, respectively, depending on the San Jose Sharks' choice at No. 2. The team also holds the 33rd pick in the second round, where they could address other needs.
