Insider Suggests Canucks Could Still Land Gavin McKenna After Lottery Slide

On the surface, falling in the NHL Draft Lottery feels like another kick in the gut for a Vancouver Canucks team that can’t seem to catch a break. While some of their wounds are self-inflicted, the draft lottery was a bad bounce (twice), with the team with the best odds of drafting No. 1 falling two spots.

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However, drafting in the third position doesn’t always mean missing out on elite talent, especially this summer. With such a deep draft, there is plenty of talent available, many of whom are likely to be game-changers.

And, what’s even more fascinating for the Canucks, there may be a realistic path to landing the player most believe could or would go at No. 1.

According to Frank Seravalli’s latest projection on 24/7 Hockey, the Canucks could find themselves in a fortunate position if the teams picking ahead of them prioritize fit over flash.

In other words, the Canucks may get to draft as though they never moved spots, assuming the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks approach their selections in an unexpected way.

Why Would The Maple Leafs and Sharks Let McKenna Slide?

Beyond the idea that McKenna’s decision to play in college has somehow impacted his draft status, the Leafs and Sharks might just have different priorities.

Seravalli suggests Toronto could pass on McKenna in favor of a more complete, physical winger in Ivar Stenberg. The Maple Leafs may be looking for a heavier, more well-rounded presence who can complement Auston Matthews, contribute in all situations, and bring a more playoff-style game. He compares Stenberg to Aleksander Barkov.

While McKenna offers elite offensive upside, Stenberg is viewed as a safer, more balanced option that fits the Maple Leafs.

Meanwhile, Seravalli argues that the Sharks are loaded with young forward talent, including Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, and could be reluctant to add yet another high-end forward. Instead, Seravalli believes they’ll address a glaring need on the blue line. Right-shot defenseman Keaton Verhoeff fits that mold—a big, high-upside defender who could anchor their future backend.

That combination—Toronto opting for balance and San Jose targeting positional need—opens the door for Vancouver.

What Seravalli is suggesting likely won’t be what most draft efforts predict the draft order will be. Still, if he’s right, the Canucks could see McKenna fall right into their lap at No. 3. It would give Vancouver a hometown prospect who happens to be the most electrifying offensive player available. His addition would immediately boost Vancouver’s skill level and give the franchise a potential centerpiece moving forward.

It would turn a brutal lottery result into an unexpected win.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Canucks & Oilers Big Changes