Canucks finding a way to land the first overall pick in crazy draft scenario!

Even after missing out on the top selection in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, there is growing speculation that the Vancouver Canucks could still find a way to land the most coveted player in the class.

According to comments from Mike Futa on The Fan Hockey Show, there was internal discussion around creative scenarios involving the first overall pick. One idea floated suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially ask for a package involving third overall pick Zeev Buium if Vancouver truly wanted to move up for the top selection.

While nothing materialized from those conversations, the idea has only fueled more draft speculation around how aggressive teams could be in reshaping the top of the board.

However, a new projection from insider Frank Seravalli has taken things even further and stunned many across the league. Despite Vancouver slipping to third overall, Seravalli still believes the Canucks will ultimately land their target prospect.

In his projection, the Maple Leafs would select Ivar Stenberg at No. 1, the San Jose Sharks would take defenseman Keaton Verhoeff at No. 2, and that would leave Gavin McKenna available for Vancouver at third overall.

Seravalli wrote that Canucks fans should “fear not,” projecting McKenna as the future face of the franchise and describing him as an electric offensive talent capable of transforming the organization’s direction.

“McKenna will add the skill and speed that Vancouver craves,” Seravalli noted, adding that his arrival could even help spark the development of Elias Pettersson and provide a new identity for a franchise in transition.

While the draft order still needs to play out, the idea that Vancouver could still walk away with McKenna - even without the first pick - is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing storylines heading into June.