2026 NHL Draft: Vancouver Canucks add top prospects while Victoria players also selected

2026 NHL Draft Vancouver Canucks Victoria players Caleb Malhotra Timmy Runtso

The 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo saw the Vancouver Canucks select nine players, including third‑overall centre Caleb Malhotra, a defensively reliable forward, and 24th‑overall winger Adam Novotny, noted for size and power. The Canucks’ prospect rankings now highlight players such as Norwegian winger Niklas Aaram‑Olsen and Swedish forward Jonathan Lekkerimäki among the top five.

In Canada, Greater Victoria celebrated three more draft selections. Defenseman Timmy Runtso was chosen 57th overall by the Montreal Canadiens after a rule change restored his college eligibility. Langford‑born blueliner Gio Pantelas went 153rd overall to the Los Angeles Kings, while centreman Noah Kosick was taken 192nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks. Their selections followed fellow Victoria product Keaton Verhoeff, who was drafted ninth overall by the Canucks.

All nine Canucks picks and the three Victoria players are set to begin their professional paths in the 2026‑27 season, with many committing to NCAA programs or major junior clubs.