The Vancouver Canucks have a history of misfortune in the NHL Draft Lottery, often sliding down the order despite favorable odds. In 2016, president Trevor Linden brought a 1970-71 hockey card of Pat Quinn as a lucky charm, but the Canucks dropped from third to fifth, missing out on top prospects.
A History of Sliding
The Canucks' lottery struggles continued in subsequent years: they fell from second to fifth in 2017, sixth to seventh in 2018, and ninth to tenth in 2019. In 2016, despite a 37.8% chance of picking first, second, or third, they dropped to fifth, selecting defenseman Olli Juolevi instead of forwards Patrik Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi, or Pierre-Luc Dubois. The selection of Juolevi over Matthew Tkachuk, who went to Calgary at sixth, has been a sore point. Tkachuk has since won two Stanley Cups and amassed 670 career points, while Juolevi played only 23 games for Vancouver.
Lessons from the Past
Drafting is an inexact science, and the Canucks' decisions have been scrutinized. Juolevi's career fizzled, while Laine and Puljujarvi had mixed results. The 2026 lottery presents a new opportunity. The Canucks have the best odds (25.5%) to secure the first overall pick, likely to be NCAA winger Gavin McKenna. They also have an 18.8% chance at second and a 55.7% chance at third.
If they miss McKenna, the focus may shift to center Caleb Malhotra or defensemen Keaton Verhoeff and Chase Reid. Building from the blue line is a priority, as elite defenders are rare. The Canucks hope for a dramatic shift in fortunes, but history suggests caution. As they head to the lottery, they brace for the familiar reality of sliding, but with thorough preparation, they can still land a top talent.
