Canucks Eyeing Top Prospects at No. 33 in 2026 NHL Draft

The Vancouver Canucks are set to make the first selection on Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, holding the 33rd overall pick. After a lottery that didn’t favor them, their 32nd-place finish in the league this past season provides a significant advantage in the early stages of the second round. General Manager Ryan Johnson expressed eagerness to deliberate on their options, emphasizing the benefit of having time to prepare.

“We have the 33rd pick,” Johnson stated after Day 1. “We’ve got some time tonight to mill on that, which you don’t always get, which is great. We’ll talk through it and be excited to make the first pick tomorrow.”

The Canucks also hold the 41st overall pick, giving them two opportunities early on Day 2 to add promising talent. Several high-potential players are still available, offering diverse skill sets that could address team needs.

Mathis Preston: The Explosive Athlete

Penticton native Mathis Preston is widely considered one of the top prospects still on the board and has been a player the Canucks have closely monitored. Preston is described as an explosive athlete with elite puck skills, representing a potential “home-run” selection at this stage of the draft. Despite facing significant injuries during his draft season, which impacted his production, his exceptional athleticism and skill level suggest a high ceiling. Scouts note that his physical game may need development, but if he can put it all together, he possesses the tools for legitimate superstar potential. At worst, he is seen as a player with a strong probability of scoring goals professionally.

William Håkansson: The Shutdown Defender

Standing at 6-foot-4, William Håkansson is a physical defender who could offer significant value. He has been a consistent presence in Swedish national team programs and made his SHL debut at a young age, logging regular shifts as an 18-year-old. This accelerated progression points to a high floor and a strong likelihood of playing significant minutes at the NHL level. However, Håkansson’s offensive production has been limited throughout his development. While he possesses the athletic tools for a valuable two-way game, his lack of consistent offensive output suggests his ceiling may be capped as a second-pair defenseman.

Niklas Aaram-Olsen: The Dynamic Skater

Norwegian winger Niklas Aaram-Olsen is recognized as one of the draft class’s most explosive skaters. He demonstrated exceptional productivity at the Swedish U20 level and was dominant in international competition. Despite never recording a point in the SHL as a 17-year-old, his call-ups indicate potential. The Canucks, having already focused on scoring profiles with their first-round picks, might consider Aaram-Olsen for his combination of production and traits, which are among the highest for remaining prospects.

Xavier Villeneuve: The Deceptive Blueliner

Xavier Villeneuve is an incredibly athletic, dynamic, and deceptive left-handed defenseman who had a productive season in the QMJHL. Some scouts compare his game favorably to Lane Hutson. However, his 5-foot-10 frame and left-handed shot present a profile that teams are often hesitant to invest in heavily. For Villeneuve to be a valuable asset, he would need to be a star performer. Despite these considerations, he remains on a short list of players with real star potential available at this stage of the draft.

Casey Mutryn: The Character Forward

Casey Mutryn, a big and strong winger with strong skating abilities, captained Team USA at the U18 tournament. His selection could align with the Canucks’ apparent prioritization of character, competitiveness, and size in their earlier first-round picks.

Key facts
| Prospect Name | Position | Notable Traits | Potential Concerns |
|—|—|—|—|
| Mathis Preston | Winger | Explosive athlete, elite puck skills | Physical game development |
| William Håkansson | Defenseman | Shutdown defender, strong skater, high floor | Limited offensive production |
| Niklas Aaram-Olsen | Winger | Explosive skater, productive scorer | SHL scoring |
| Xavier Villeneuve | Defenseman | Dynamic skater, deceptive play | Size, handedness |
| Casey Mutryn | Winger | Size, skating, character | Not explicitly detailed in source |

This draft analysis provides the Canucks with a clear look at some of the top talent available as they prepare to make their crucial selections early on Day 2. The blend of offensive skill, defensive capability, and athletic prowess among these prospects offers the team several strategic avenues for team building.

Source: The Athletic – Five options still available for Canucks with pick No. 33 in the 2026 NHL Draft (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7400087/2026/06/27/2026-nhl-draft-vancouver-canucks-selections/)

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