Despite entering the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery with the best odds to land the first overall pick, the Vancouver Canucks saw their luck run out on Tuesday night. The team will now select third overall in the upcoming draft, as the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks jumped ahead to claim the top two spots.

This isn't unfamiliar territory for the Canucks, who have picked third overall four times in franchise history. Their previous selections at this spot include Jocelyn Guevremont (1971), Don Lever (1972), Dennis Ververgaert (1973), and—most notably—Henrik Sedin (1999), who went on to become a franchise legend. Among the prospects Vancouver could target with the third pick are Caleb Malhotra, Chase Reid, and Keaton Verhoeff.

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is set for June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, giving the Canucks plenty of time to evaluate their options. Vancouver enters the draft with a strong stockpile of 10 picks, including four selections in the first two rounds. For context, the last three players taken third overall were Anton Frondell, Beckett Sennecke, and Adam Fantilli—all of whom are making an impact at the NHL level.

While finishing third is a disappointment after having the best odds, the Canucks still have a prime opportunity to add a high-impact prospect to their pipeline. With a deep draft class and multiple early picks, Vancouver's front office will be looking to make the most of this draft weekend in Buffalo.