The 2026 NHL Entry Draft takes place tomorrow. In anticipation of the draft, The Hockey News’ Vancouver Canucks site writers have put together predictions for how the first night could end up unfolding. 

Continue reading to see who THN Canucks site’s writers think will be taken first-overall, if there will be any trades on Day 1, and who they think the Canucks could select with the third-overall pick. 

Who Will The Toronto Maple Leafs Select First Overall?

Adam Kierszenblat, Site Editor: Gavin McKenna

Izzy Cheung, Deputy Site Editor: Gavin McKenna 

Daniela Carbonell, Abbotsford Canucks Writer: Gavin McKenna

Witton Chau, Canucks Feature Writer: Gavin McKenna

Jaden Teja, Canucks Prospects Writer: Gavin McKenna

Which Defensive Prospect Will Be Drafted Highest? 

AK: Chase Reid (2nd) 

IC: Chase Reid (4th) 

DC: Keaton Verhoeff (5th) 

WC: Chase Reid (2nd)

JT: Chase Reid (3rd)

Which Round Will The First Goaltender Be Selected In? 

AK: Second Round

IC: Second Round 

DC: Second Round

WC: First Round

JT: Second Round

Will There Be Any Trades On Day 1 Of The Draft? 

AK: Yes, multiple 

IC: Yes

DC: Yes

WC: Yes

JT: Yes

Will The Ruck Twins Be Drafted By The Same Team? 

AK: Yes

IC: No

DC: Yes

WC: No

JT: No

Who Will The Canucks Select With The Third Pick? 

AK: Caleb Malhotra 

IC: Caleb Malhotra 

DC: Caleb Malhotra 

WC: Caleb Malhotra 

JT: Chase Reid

Who Will The Canucks Select With The 24th Pick? 

AK: Mathis Preston 

IC: Mathis Preston 

DC: Maddox Dagenais 

WC: Mathis Preston 

JT: Marcus Nordmark 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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