NHL draft expert urges optimism for Canucks fans after disappointing lottery

Vancouver Canucks players salute the crowd after defeating the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in overtime during their final NHL hockey home game of the season, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

After months of anticipation, the ping-pong balls did not bounce in the Vancouver Canucks’ favour during Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.

The team lost out on the first overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs and secured the No. 3 pick overall. The San Jose Sharks will pick second.

Third was the lowest the Canucks could mathematically fall after a dismal season that saw them finish 25-49-8, good for one of the lowest point totals and winning percentages in franchise history.

It was another dejecting blow to the fan base after a disappointing season.

However, TSN director of scouting Craig Button says both the organization and fans should keep a sense of optimism.

“I think the Vancouver Canucks have a real opportunity to get a player who can be a difference maker,” Button told CTV News.

Button says while there are plenty of really good prospects in this year’s class, he does not see any of franchise-altering calibre.

“This is not a draft that has a Macklin Celebrini or a Matthew Scahefer, or a Connor Bedard and its clear cut and you’re going. ‘Oh geez we fell out of one,’” he said.

Button has forward Gavin McKenna slated in the top spot on his board.

McKenna, from Whitehorse, Yukon, had 15 goals and 36 assists in 35 games with Penn State University as a freshman this season.

Button has defenceman Chase Reid at the No. 2 spot. The American spent the last two seasons with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.

As for the Canucks’ slot at No. 3, Button has centreman Caleb Malhotra. The 17-year-old is the son of former Canuck and current Abbotsford Canucks coach Manny Malhotra.

Malhotra recorded 84 points in 67 games for the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL this season.

“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s complete, he’s competitive, he’s a two way,” said Button.

“I don’t think he’s going to be a 100-point player, but I think he’s the type of centreman that can drive play in so many areas of your team,” he said.

Button said there is certainly an argument to be made for Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg as well.

Stenberg played last season for Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League, where he amassed 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) across 43 games. He also helped Sweden claim gold at the world juniors, contributing 10 points (four goals, six assists).

However, Button ultimately believes the Canucks’ need for a centre makes Malhotra the better pick.

The Canucks’ pick will ultimately be made by whoever they hire as their next general manager, according to president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford, who announced he would be stepping down from the role after the draft in late June.

With files from the Canadian Press