New 2026 mock draft reveals who the Vancouver Canucks could select with the first overall pick
Photo credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
A new 2026 mock draft released this week has revealed who the Vancouver Canucks and General Manager Patrik Allvin could select if they get the first overall pick.
This season hasn't gone how the Vancouver Canucks were hoping it would, with the club sitting dead last in the National Hockey League's overall standings with a 17-28-5 record through 50 games.
Because of this, the Vancouver Canucks have announced that they're undergoing a rebuild, a both that both General Manager Patrik Allvin and President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford believe is necessary.
"But prior to this, we already made the decision that we were going to go with younger players. Over the past few years, our staff has done a good job and we have a number of good young players, whether they're in our lineup now or close to getting in our lineup. And those players are going to get a chance to play. Based on the circumstances with this team, this is the year to do it. The fact of the matter is we're in a rebuild." Rutherford said.
New 2026 mock draft reveals who Vancouver Canucks could select first overall
As is the case with any rebuild, regardless of sport, there are a lot of losses, but one bright spot for the Vancouver Canucks is the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft, with Patrik Allvin currently holding two first round picks and having the best odds to win the draft lottery and select first overall.
While the Vancouver Canucks might have held the first overall pick before, they've never actually selected in that position as in 1999, then-GM Brian Burke worked the phones to drop down from the top spot to get both the second and third overall picks to select Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
That gamble paid off big time for the Vancouver Canucks as both players are arguably among the greatest in franchise history and if the club has the opportunity to land the first overall pick this year, it's safe to say that they're going to hold onto it.
In a recent article for Daily Faceoff, prospects analyst Steven Ellis shared his 2026 NHL mock draft and for the Vancouver Canucks, he has them taking Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg first overall.
"The growing consensus around scouts is that Stenberg will be the first player taken off the board. While most scouts would agree that McKenna has more pure skill, Stenberg has the ability to impact the game in more ways away from the puck. The incredible numbers playing against men don't hurt, either. It wouldn't be surprising if they bet high on McKenna's skill, but they need someone who can make a true difference all over the ice and Stenberg is just ahead of the game right now." Ellis said about Stenberg.
Stenberg, 18, has been lights out for Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League this season and currently third on his team in points 27 (seven goals, 20 assists) in 28 games, which is very impressive for someone his age.
Whether it's Ivar Stenberg or Gavin McKenna, the Vancouver Canucks are going to get a franchise-changing player and hopefully, it'll eventually lead to the club being a perennial playoff contender in the years ahead.
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