Canucks Lead the Pack for Top Draft Selection

The Vancouver Canucks are entering the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery with the best odds of selecting first offering a potential turning point for the franchise. The lottery is scheduled for May 5th, according to a report from Frank Seravalli of Hockey 24/7.

“No team is anticipating the NHL Draft Lottery more than the Vancouver Canucks this year,” as stated in a recent report.

Understanding the Odds

If the Canucks finish with the worst record in the NHL, they will have a 43.7 per cent chance of securing a top-two pick. Specifically, their odds of picking first overall are 25.1 per cent, while their chances of selecting second are 18.6 per cent. Teams can drop a maximum of two spots, guaranteeing the last-place team will pick no lower than third.

A History of Lottery Disappointment

Despite their current favorable position, the Canucks have a history of lottery setbacks. The franchise has never picked first overall since entering the NHL 56 years ago. Vancouver famously experienced four consecutive years of dropping in the draft lottery between 2016 and 2019.

“The Canucks had the third-best odds of winning the lottery in 2016 and the second-best odds in 2017, but picked fifth each year. Instead of drafting sixth in 2018, they slipped to seventh. And instead of picking ninth in 2019, they picked 10th.”

Daily Hive

The team also faced disappointment when entering the league in 1970, as the Buffalo Sabres secured the first pick and drafted future Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault.

Potential Top Prospects

Gavin McKenna is currently considered the frontrunner for the first overall pick, though he isn’t a guaranteed selection. Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg and Canadian defenceman Keaton Verhoeff are also considered top-three prospects.

“Gavin McKenna remains the player most people expect to be picked first overall,” according to reports.

Live Lottery Format

This year’s lottery will be broadcast live on-air for the second consecutive year, adding a new level of excitement as team odds are calculated in real-time.

FAQ

• When is the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery? May 5th.
• What are the Canucks’ odds of getting the first overall pick? 25.1%.
• Has Vancouver ever had the first overall pick? No.