Canucks News & Rumours: Stenberg, Malhotra, Reid, McKenna & Ahokas

The Vancouver Canucks‘ draft picture is coming into focus. The Canucks have the third overall pick in this Friday’s NHL Entry Draft. On the other hand, there’s still work being done on the development side, particularly to fill the vacant coaching position on the Abbotsford Canucks. Both situations matter, and both might tell us something about the direction this organization is trying to take.

Canucks Could Be Zeroing In on a Different Prospect at No. 3

There is the growing belief that the Canucks could be leaning in a different direction than many expected. For most of the year, centre Caleb Malhotra has been viewed as the likely target. He’s been the steady name at the top of most projections, and the kind of player teams traditionally value highly in that range.

But as we get closer to draft day, things are starting to shift. Recent mock drafts have Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg gaining serious momentum as a potential selection at No. 3. If the Toronto Maple Leafs take Gavin McKenna first overall and the San Jose Sharks follow with Chase Reid, Vancouver suddenly finds itself in a spot where they have options.

According to Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, there has been increasing skepticism around the idea that the Canucks are locked into Malhotra. In fact, as interesting as it might be, not drafting (new head coach) Manny Malhotra’s son relieves a certain complexity from the equation.

Instead, Stenberg’s name is coming up more often. Ellis pointed to several traits that could appeal to Vancouver, including his elite hockey sense, his ability to protect the puck under pressure, and his shot, which are already at a high level. Ellis suggested Stenberg may have the second-best hockey IQ in this draft class behind McKenna.

The production only adds to the argument. Stenberg put up 11 goals and 33 points in 43 games with Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League this past season—strong numbers for a teenager playing against men. He also impressed on the international stage, posting 10 points in 7 games at the IIHF World Junior Championship and helping Sweden capture gold. That combination of pro-level experience and tournament performance is part of what has pushed his stock upward.

In the end, this is the classic draft debate. Do you take the centre with the long-standing hype, or the winger who may already look more NHL-ready in terms of all-around game? This will surely be an in-depth discussion between Malhotra and Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

Canucks Reportedly Showing Interest in OHL Coach Jussi Ahokas for Abbotsford

While the draft talk grabs headlines, there’s also movement happening on the organizational depth chart. The Canucks have reportedly shown interest in Kitchener Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas as a potential candidate for their vacant American Hockey League (AHL) head coaching position in Abbotsford.

According to rumours, Ahokas is a name to keep an eye on as the Canucks evaluate options within their development system. It’s not a confirmed hire by any stretch, but it does suggest the organization is looking broadly—and possibly internationally—for coaching talent.

The interest makes sense. Ahokas became the first European head coach in Ontario Hockey League (OHL) history when he took over in Kitchener in 2023, and he didn’t take long to make an impact. This past season, he led the Rangers to both an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup title, which is about as strong a resume as you can build at the junior level in Canada.

Before arriving in North America, Ahokas was already well established in Finland. He coached national teams to gold at both the U18 World Championship and the World Juniors, and later earned coach-of-the-year honours in Finland’s top professional league. His track record is built around developing young players and handling high-pressure environments, two things that matter a lot in an AHL setting.

What’s Next for the Canucks?

Put together, these two stories give a bit of a snapshot of where things are for the Canucks right now. There’s uncertainty at the top of the draft board, where the decision between a highly regarded centre and a rising winger could define the next phase of the roster. And there’s also meaningful work being done on the development side, where the organization is potentially considering a coach with a proven record in winning and player development.

Neither decision is finalized. Not even close. But both are the kind of moves that can shape how an organization looks a few years down the road. And for Canucks fans, that’s usually when things start to get interesting—when the questions feel bigger than the answers.