Vancouver Canucks’ Target With No. 33 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft – The Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

As the 2026 NHL Entry Draft approaches, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves in an exciting position. Holding the 33rd overall pick – the first pick of the second round – management has a good chance to secure a top-level talent that may have fallen out of the first round.

Historically, this draft slot serves as an extension of the first round, where teams can find split opinions or market inefficiencies. Given the current makeup of the Canucks’ depth chart, adding dynamic forward depth and transition-oriented blueliners remains a priority.

Here are five reasonable guides for the Canucks at pick 33.

Markus Ruck, Center, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

If the Canucks are looking for a playmaker with local ties, Osoyoos native Markus Ruck should be near the top of their board. Ruck completed the most productive season in the Western Hockey League, showing an improved ability to dictate the pace of play in the center position.

The Ruck is not an aggressive forward, but excels at finding open ice and making short-area passes under pressure. His main asset is his hockey IQ; he constantly forces opposing defenders out of position by changing his routes and slowing down the run. Off the puck, he reads layups well, making him an effective option on the penalty kill and in transition.

For Vancouver, Ruck represents a middle-of-the-six center who can grow his wings. His style coincides with a management-oriented system that values ​​structural discipline over a physical physical map.

Tommy Bleyl, Defenseman, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

The modern NHL needs blueliners who can move the puck well, and Tommy Bleyl is one of the most efficient puck-movers available in this draft. Playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, the American-born defenseman led all defensemen in the league in scoring and took home the player of the year award.

Bleyl relies heavily on edge work and lateral movement to escape predictors. He works as a pure machine out of the zone, preferring to handle the puck or make accurate passes rather than getting it off the glass. ^{On the blue line, he works comfortably as a power-play quarterback, using a low-key ability to get shots in traffic.}

Defensively, Bleyl is a work in progress. He uses a quick stick and gap control to disrupt plays early, but his light frame means he can get crowded under the goal line. He’ll need a stable, defensive partner, but his offensive side provides the kind of transition the Canucks’ backcourt lacks outside of their top tier.

Ryan Roobroeck, Center, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

If the front office prioritizes size and finishing ability, Ryan Roobroeck offers a completely different profile than Ruck or Bleyl. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing over 210 pounds, the Niagara IceDogs forward has the raw physical tools of a classic NHL power forward combined with a high-volume shooting mentality.

Roobroeck finished second on his team in scoring despite being sidelined with a physical injury. His calling card is a hard, accurate release that makes him a constant threat from the perimeter and a weapon on the man advantage. Unlike many young players at his level, Roobroeck doesn’t just rely on size to overwhelm opponents; he processes the offensive sequence quickly and finds quiet spaces in the offensive zone to get his shot off.

The biggest obstacle to Roobroeck’s development is his consistency and speed. If the Canucks believe their development staff can fix his stride and defense, Roobroeck offers top-six scoring opportunities that rarely come early in the second round.

Jaxon Cover, Left Wing, London Knights (OHL)

Jaxon Cover is one of the most promising wild cards in the 2026 class. A former competitive line hockey player, his unorthodox path to the London Knights led to a unique, raw skill set that NHL scouts find simple but very appealing.

The cover’s background on wheels is evident in its exceptional handling and small area expertise. He can control his stick angle to beat defenders in tight spaces, which has helped him excel in London’s dynamic environment. ^{Despite limited ice time on the Knights’ deep roster, Cover showed an analytical approach to the offensive end, showing a willingness to battle near the boards and establish space in front of the net.}

Playing under Dale Hunter, Cover has already begun to implement a two-way liability structure into his game. He needs to improve his decision-making in the lineup and use his 6-foot-1 frame more consistently, but his offensive instincts raise the ceiling as a middle winger with a consistent six.

Niklas Aaram-Olsen, Left Wing/Right Wing, Örebro HK (Sweden)

For international selection, Niklas Aaram-Olsen offers a combination of size, skating, and pure scoring ability. The Norwegian winger spent most of his season dominating Sweden’s under-20 circuit, scoring over a point per game, while also scoring 16 games against the men in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Aaram-Olsen is a streaky attacker who uses straight-line speed to outrun defenders. ^{When he’s inside the blue line, his backhands and quick release allow him to make clean looks out of limited space. His international performance was of a similar nature, as he managed a young Norwegian team in an offensive way to earn them promotion to the top division of the upcoming World Junior Championship.}

While Aaram-Olsen has an NHL-ready frame at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds, he doesn’t play a physical or aggressive game. He’ll need to internalize better defensive habits and compete harder for contested pucks to survive at the professional level, but his natural offensive attributes make him a strong candidate for a team looking to add scoring depth to its side.

The decision

The 33rd pick gives the Canucks an opportunity to address some organizational needs. Whether they’re prioritizing Ruck’s brain play, Bleyl’s superior blue line transition, or Roobroeck, Cover, or Aaram-Olsen’s goal-scoring first, the board is perfectly set for the front office to deliver real value.

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