2026 NHL Draft

[Cornuck]

I had a theory that as time went on, the average draft pick would improve. I figured that better training, better scouting, more kids playing since they were able to stand and just general improvements in the equipment and facilities would be a factor. This would lead to more late round, 2nd and 3rd round picks having an impact.
I ran the numbers, but there was no trend, just some years better than others, as we've always known.

[Nuckertuzzi]

Draft lottery day is May 5th. Cinco de Mayo. And Taco Tuesday.

It should be a good day to suck back a few ICE cold Tecate and chew on some churos as we watch the 'Nucks slide to 3rd.

A coin flip slightly weighted on the side of 3rd plus the fact we always end up with the worst outcome means I’ve already conditioned myself to accept 3rd. We will get a good player at 3rd regardless, although I expect to break things just the same. I’ll be prepared for it by stocking my living room on draft day with a bunch of old stuff I plan to throw out anyway, so I won’t lose anything valuable (tho can’t guarantee that won’t happen). Not sure sucking back a few will save my valuables or ensure the opposite, but might be a good idea to cope with the nerves.

Until the inevitable eventuality happens, I will try my best to remain positive.

May the 5th be with us.

[Ronning's Ghost]

I had a theory that as time went on, the average draft pick would improve.

They probably have -- just not relative to other same-age prospects.

Almost all the players are bigger and/or faster than they were when we were young.

[Hockey Widow]

Would like to take out minny pick to get Chicagos's 34th over. that would gives back to back picks and chance at picking the twins if front money is the GMs feel they play better together. Obviously we would want something else back. Next years lottery protected 1st? A good young player/prospect?

Or trade down to 32 and let Ottawa have 24th. Then we take the twins. Obviously Ottawa would have to give more. A good prospect? 2 more seconds in 27, 28??

But if we could land back to back picks we might be th only team grabbing them.

[Nuckertuzzi]

What's Burkie doing these days...does he need a job?

[Topper]

Geriatric spilled the beans, drafting a forward.

[2Fingers]

if the Hockey GOds do their normal thing to the Canucks then at picking 3rd over all I am starting to like Malhotra at this position.

Center, 6'2" and 183 lbs so not small and can gain that weight.

Have to admit that I have not watched any videos on him yet so not sure how he presents himself or his highlight reels but I don't think he is a long shot at 3rd.

[Topper]

if the Hockey GOds do their normal thing to the Canucks then at picking 3rd over all I am starting to like Malhotra at this position.

Center, 6'2" and 183 lbs so not small and can gain that weight.

Have to admit that I have not watched any videos on him yet so not sure how he presents himself or his highlight reels but I don't think he is a long shot at 3rd.

picking blind

[donlever]

Fits the mold.

[Lancer]

I don’t know what’s worse with this crew - picking first or picking third?

Malhotra is a reach at 3rd. I see solid skill, but nothing dynamic. With a pick that high, you don’t look for a projectable pro floor - which is more Malhotra’s strong suit than anything else. More Kirby Dach than Leo Carlsson.

If they’re picking third, take BPA - which, in this case - would be Reid or Verhoeff unless one of them goes 2nd.

[Carl Yagro]

If anyone doesn't think history repeats, look no further at the reach of Malhotra Sr. at 7th overall.

Look with both eyes.

Sure, he turned into a very good checking center, but dude hit his head on the ceiling before he played his first NHL game.

No doubt Caleb will be a good player. Canadian. Culture carrier.

But BPA. Always BPA. We're not talking about plastics.

[donlever]

1 - McKenna

2 - Stenberg

3 - Verhoeff/Reid

Fairly simple from my pov anyway.....

[theman]

I see Maholtra Jr as a 3C who could become a 2C, he reminds me of Kessler, hopefully without the off ice legal issues.


If the Canucks end up picking 3 OA, BPA, if it ends up being a D man, do be it.

I am not against using the Minny pick and an extra 2 or 3 rounder to moving up in the draft if they really like someone in this draft to get another top 10 pick.

[Cousin Strawberry]

1 - McKenna

2 - Stenberg

3 - Verhoeff/Reid

Fairly simple from my pov anyway.....

I think that's as projectable as I can guess as well. Personally like Reid over Verhoeff but the big kid has a high end ceiling as well.

Any of them will instantly become our top prospect so it's all a win at this point

[Picker of Cherries]

Agree the third BPA is one of the RHD and should be selected over Malhotra, but I’d take Verhoeff over Reid - 6'4" 212 vrs 6’2 187 and six months younger. Has more upside and room to develop as he started playing D at a later age than his peers, was a goalie for quite a while early. He’ll be 230+ by the time he is in the NHL. I want the beef.