Canucks News & Rumours: Johnson, the Sedins, Chiarot & Building Through the Draft

New Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson has made “build through the draft” the phrase of the moment. It is exactly what many fans have been waiting to hear for a long time. The Canucks haven’t exactly been a model franchise for long-term planning.

Over the past decade, it seems that the organization has been trying to take shortcuts to contention rather than actually building something sustainable. So when Johnson talks about patience, picks, and doing things “the right way,” it lands differently. His conviction is refreshing, even if we’ve heard versions of this story before.

Right now, Vancouver sits with a much healthier draft situation than they’ve had in years. The team has ten picks, including multiple first- and second-round selections. This gives the management group options. And as Johnson hinted, that number could still grow depending on how aggressive the team chooses to be.

Ryan Johnson’s Draft-First Messaging Sets the Tone

Johnson made it clear that he’s going to lead a draft-focused approach, at least in theory. He pointed directly to the 2026 Draft as a key part of the plan, and didn’t shy away from the idea that more picks could be added along the way.

That alone is a big change from recent Canucks history. For years, the organization has traded out of drafts or dealt futures to patch short-term holes. At one point, Vancouver went six years without holding both a first and second-round pick in the same draft.

Now, at least on paper, the cupboard looks fuller. And in this league, draft volume matters just as much as draft position. More swings mean more chances to build something useful — or trade capital later when the time comes. In the modern NHL, a team can’t build depth without drafting players. It may seem obvious, but Vancouver hasn’t always lived by it.

Why the Sedins Believe in Building Through the Draft

When people hear “build through the draft,” they often picture a fully homegrown roster. But even the best Canucks teams during the Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin era were built with more than just drafted players. Those teams also relied on trades, free agents, and smart roster construction around their core stars.

Still, it makes sense that the Sedins believe in the draft. Their own careers are proof of what patience and player development can do for an organization. Vancouver drafted them, developed them properly, and built an entire era around them. Because of that, they are naturally inclined to support younger players and build a solid, lasting foundation through drafting and development.

That does not mean avoiding trades or free agency altogether. The best NHL teams still use every tool available. But drafting gives organizations flexibility, depth, and valuable assets to work with later. For the Sedins, building through the draft is not about rebuilding forever — it is about finally giving Vancouver a sustainable pipeline of young talent to build around properly.

Gabe Chiarot Continues to Turn Heads at the Memorial Cup

Gabe Chiarot continues to make the most of his opportunity at the Memorial Cup, picking up his first two points of the tournament in another strong performance. The Canucks prospect scored his first Memorial Cup goal and later added an assist on the Kitchener Rangers’ final goal in a 6-2 win over the Everett Silvertips. Even after being moved down to the third line, Chiarot still found ways to impact the game with his speed, physical play, and relentless energy.

What stood out again was how effective Chiarot was away from the puck. He finished the night with a plus-2 rating and three shots on goal while consistently pressuring opponents and using his skating to create momentum. It was the type of effort Canucks fans noticed throughout the tournament. Chiarot continues to show the kind of attention to detail and work ethic that coaches love.

After the game, Chiarot said he is focused on Chicoutimi and a spot in the final, emphasizing team success over individual achievement. That’s something the Canucks organization will certainly appreciate moving forward.

What’s Next for the Canucks?

Now we circle back to Johnson’s version of things. If this is truly a draft-first era, then the next step isn’t just making picks — it’s accumulating more of them and actually sticking with that plan long enough to see it matter. Because the old truth still holds: good teams aren’t just drafted. They’re built, then reshaped, then rebuilt again using what the draft gives them. Vancouver is about to find out whether they’re ready to do all three.