Canucks Target Top Pick: Should They Draft Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg?

The Vancouver Canucks are in position to make a bold statement if they land the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. With the season behind them and a young core already in place, the big question is whether they should take Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg. Both prospects offer different strengths and risks, and the choice could shape the team’s future for years.

Gavin McKenna, a 6-foot, 170-pound left winger from Penn State, has been one of the most dynamic prospects in the NCAA this season. He recorded 15 goals and 36 assists in 35 games and was a standout at the World Juniors. McKenna’s creativity, speed, and playmaking ability have scouts raving. He has the upside of a top-line NHL scorer and could slot right into Vancouver’s top six. The Canucks already have a solid foundation with Marco Rossi anchoring the second line. Pairing McKenna with Rossi could create a dangerous top unit.

Ivar Stenberg, a 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward from Frölunda in the SHL, offers a more measured, two-way game. He has already played 43 professional games as a teenager, scoring 11 goals and adding 22 assists. Stenberg brings high hockey IQ and a steady floor. He’s not as flashy as McKenna but is known for his reliability and maturity. For a team looking for a plug-and-play top-six forward, Stenberg is a safe and smart choice.

The Canucks need a top-line winger who can contribute immediately. McKenna’s offensive upside and ability to drive play make him the more exciting option. He could be the missing piece that gives Vancouver’s young core a real scoring punch. Stenberg, while less explosive, offers a higher floor and less risk. He can step into a top-six role without the need for development time.

Zeev Buium and Filip Hronek are emerging on the blue line, and the middle six is showing promise. But the team still lacks a proven top-line scorer. McKenna fits that role perfectly. If the Canucks want to compete now, taking him makes the most sense. If they prefer a safer, more polished option, Stenberg is the way to go.

With the draft just weeks away, the Canucks will have to make a decision. Both players are projected to go in the top five. Vancouver has the chance to take a big step forward with either pick. The choice will come down to how much risk the team is willing to take in pursuit of a contender.