Canucks Target Dynamic Talent at 41st Overall in 2026 NHL Draft

1. Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, Right Wing, Leksands IF U20

2. Alessandro Di Iorio, Center, Sarnia Sting

3. Casey Mutryn, Centre, USNTDP Juniors

4. Ryder Cali, Centre, North Bay Battalion

5. Adam Nemec, Right Wing, HK Nitra/Sudbury Wolves

The Vancouver Canucks are entering the 2026 NHL Draft with a distinctive surplus of early selections. Possessing four picks within the top 50, the franchise can reinforce a lineup that already blends elite skill with structural soundness. While earlier analysis highlighted possibilities at the 33rd overall slot, the conversation now turns to the 41st overall choice, where several compelling prospects remain within reach.

Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, Right Wing, Leksands IF U20

For a franchise seeking dynamic scoring depth on the flanks, Jonas Lagerberg Hoen presents an especially attractive option. Hailing from the Swedish junior ranks, the right‑winger has quietly emerged as one of the purest volume shooters available in this tier.

Lagerberg Hoen showcases a fluid, powerful stride that enables him to challenge defenders on the rush. He excels at generating speed through the neutral zone, forcing opposing defensemen onto their heels before cutting back to exploit open ice. His most notable attribute, however, is his release. He possesses an innate ability to locate quiet spaces in the offensive zone, readying himself to unleash a heavy snapshot or a precise one‑timer.

Standing over 6 feet 2, he carries the frame of a modern power forward, though he is still developing the musculature required to fully leverage his size at the professional level. His defensive awareness is mature; he routinely patrols the lower half of the ice to support his defensemen rather than relying on transitions. Should the Canucks desire a winger who can eventually project as a goal‑scoring threat on the second line and a significant power‑play contributor, Lagerberg Hoen represents a gamble worth pursuing.

Alessandro Di Iorio, Center, Sarnia Sting

Di Iorio embodies a high‑IQ approach to the game, rarely finding himself out of position. He serves as a reliable safety valve for his defensemen, consistently dropping deep into his own zone to aid breakouts and protect the slot. Although he lacks elite acceleration, his pace of play is more than adequate, and his transition game is driven by sound decision‑making rather than raw speed.

Offensively, he excels as a distributor, thriving in high‑danger areas and demonstrating the ability to shield the puck along the boards. His deceptive curl‑and‑drag wrist shot keeps goaltenders honest. He projects as a dependable middle‑of‑the‑lineup centre who can kill penalties, contribute to the second power‑play unit, and match up against top opposition. His structured, reliable style is precisely the type of player coaching staffs value.

Casey Mutryn, Centre, USNTDP Juniors

For those who view the Canucks as still needing additional functional grit and defensive responsibility, Casey Mutryn warrants close attention. The US National Team Development Program captain is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive forwards in this draft class.

At 6 feet 3 and exceeding 200 pounds, Mutryn employs a physical, suffocating style. He uses his imposing frame and exceptional acceleration to separate opponents from the puck with heavy, clean body checks. His stick positioning and defensive instincts are highly advanced, making him a nightmare for opposing puck carriers in neutral and defensive zones.

Mutryn drives play by excelling at carrying the puck out of trouble, though his offensive numbers were muted by a lower‑scoring team environment. To realize his full NHL ceiling, he must refine his stick‑handling in tight spaces and reduce turnovers in the offensive zone. Nevertheless, his work ethic and leadership qualities make him a remarkably safe bet to become a highly effective NHL shutdown forward.

Ryder Cali, Centre, North Bay Battalion

Ryder Cali is an especially intriguing growth‑trajectory prospect from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). As one of the youngest players eligible for this draft, he already measures 6 feet 2 and 210 pounds, suggesting considerable physical upside as his frame matures.

His season unfolded in two distinct phases, interrupted by a significant shoulder injury. Upon returning to North Bay, his confidence surged, and he posted a point‑per‑game pace over the final stretch of the regular season. He is a powerful, straight‑line skater with soft hands for a player of his size, rendering him lethal along the boards and below the goal line, where he can extend plays under heavy pressure.

Internationally, Cali displayed versatility by contributing in a reliable, hard‑nosed checking role for Team Canada. He excels near the crease, leveraging excellent hand‑eye coordination for deflections and clean‑up goals. While he continues to develop lateral agility and accelerate his shooting release, his combination of size, late‑season offensive surge, and foundational defensive awareness makes him an attractive project for Vancouver’s development staff.

Adam Nemec, Right Wing, HK Nitra/Sudbury Wolves

Nemec’s draft year was defined by a substantial developmental pivot. The younger brother of New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec began the season competing in the Slovak top tier with HK Nitra, then midway through the year moved to North America to secure more significant ice time.

After joining the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL, Nemec flourished, earning top‑six minutes and heavy responsibility. He adjusted instantly to the smaller ice and faster tempo of major junior hockey, emerging as a point‑per‑game producer for Sudbury. His high motor and creative playmaking drove the Wolves’ transition game, while his relentless forechecking and backchecking stamina underscore his translatability to the professional game.

The Canucks’ selection at 41 will ultimately reveal which philosophy the organization prioritizes for the next wave of its roster. Whether they opt for the pure shooting talent of Lagerberg Hoen, the safe two‑way stability of Di Iorio, the physical shutdown capability of Mutryn, the raw power upside of Cali, or the pro‑tested intelligence of Nemec, they possess a prime opportunity to inject an impactful asset into the franchise.

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