As of April 28, 2026, a hypothetical analysis by Canucks Army explores where the Vancouver Canucks would pick in the 2026 NHL Draft if the league adopted the Professional Women's Hockey League's (PWHL) Gold Plan instead of the current draft lottery system. The PWHL's Gold Plan, introduced in 2024, awards the first overall pick to the team that finishes last in the regular season, eliminating the lottery element.
Under this system, the Canucks, who finished 25th overall in the 2025-26 NHL season with a 32-38-12 record and 76 points, would select 6th overall. This is based on the reverse order of the final standings, where the last-place team gets the top pick. The San Jose Sharks, who finished last overall, would pick first under the Gold Plan.
The current NHL draft lottery, held on May 7, 2026, allows teams to move up or down in the order, with the last-place team having an 18.5% chance of winning the first overall pick. The Gold Plan, by contrast, guarantees the worst team the top pick, which proponents argue reduces tanking and ensures the weakest team gets the best prospect.
This comparison is purely speculative, as the NHL has not adopted the PWHL's system. The Canucks' actual draft position will depend on the lottery results. As of now, the team holds its own first-round pick, which is not traded.
