CC Draft Watch Party 2026 Friday June 26 @ 4 pm PDT

[Megaterio Llamas]

Apparently, Carels is recovering from a concussion. The Flames were looking into the health of one of the top draft choices and the assumption is that it is Carels. This may affect his draft status.

Yeah, I heard something about that too. Teams are checking into that thorougfhly.

Today's rumour has it that Bettman has asked teams to wait until the draft to announce major trades.

[Aaronp18]

Today's rumour has it that Bettman has asked teams to wait until the draft to announce major trades.

This makes sense, I'm actually surprised the Olen Zellweger move was allowed to be announced.

[theman]

Anyone excited?

[Aaronp18]

Do we feel the Canucks have anything up their sleeve?

Lots of chatter about Montreal.

MTL: EP40, Debrusk (retain on Debrusk)
VAN: Gallagher, 2026 1st, 2027 1st Unprotected

[donlever]

No theman....but I would be excited if the Leaves were playing a high end leveling game and plucked Stenberg out from under the Sharks and threw the draft into a flux right away.

Presumably SJ would transition to McKenna BUT if they prefer Reid at that point as the BPA in their minds maybe just maybe...

That would be exciting for me anyway.

If we pick Malhotra I will be completely meh....

[rockalt]

This has been a great few days for the league, less so for the Canucks. I mean, not bad for the Canucks but obviously they have been quiet at a time where trades are finally picking up. Really good to see even though the SJ trades make it very likely they will draft Stenberg.

For me I was hoping the Canucks could land one of the wingers but that seems highly unlikely. I'm still excited to watch though!

[Aaronp18]

Yeah, just typical Canucks mentality.

We're all thinking the same thing after yet again losing the draft lotto, a whole lot of meh.

Well maybe next year something exciting will happen!

[rockalt]

No theman....but I would be excited if the Leaves were playing a high end leveling game and plucked Stenberg out from under the Sharks and threw the draft into a flux right away.

Presumably SJ would transition to McKenna BUT if they prefer Reid at that point as the BPA in their minds maybe just maybe...

That would be exciting for me anyway.

If we pick Malhotra I will be completely meh....

Yeah Malhotra is the pick who will feel the most meh to me. Feels like too much of a risk and his ascent is too recent - really feels like a solid 'character' guy that could be a complementary piece but maxes out as a 2C. There's the obvious risk with drafting someone like Reid but he seems to be top of many lists of available D-man, so I'd rather go with him. As long as they are trying to go with BPA and draft for position, I'll be okay.

[BCExpat]

Regarding Carels injury - he went head first into the boards during the playoffs- some facial injuries, but no concussion was reported. I think he will be the guy the Flames draft at 6 (assuming he's still available).

[Megaterio Llamas]

No theman....but I would be excited if the Leaves were playing a high end leveling game and plucked Stenberg out from under the Sharks and threw the draft into a flux right away.

Presumably SJ would transition to McKenna BUT if they prefer Reid at that point as the BPA in their minds maybe just maybe...

That would be exciting for me anyway.

If we pick Malhotra I will be completely meh....

Yeah Malhotra is the pick who will feel the most meh to me. Feels like too much of a risk and his ascent is too recent - really feels like a solid 'character' guy that could be a complementary piece but maxes out as a 2C. There's the obvious risk with drafting someone like Reid but he seems to be top of many lists of available D-man, so I'd rather go with him. As long as they are trying to go with BPA and draft for position, I'll be okay.

Yeah, the Bo Horvat comparisons don't knock my socks off either. I'm kinda hoping they take a risk and go with the little Swedish center. Failing that, take Verhoeff or whoever you think the best D is.

[theman]

God, just announce the picks

[rockalt]

Is Buble gonna draft for the Canucks? I will give the NHL credit though - whether you love him or hate him, Bieber is a legit celebrity and not some B-rate one the NHL usually relies on at these events. A bit weird but I don't mind this style... if they could just do it a little faster!

[Megaterio Llamas]

I'm glad I'm listening to The Athletic podcast instead of watching this Toronto crap lol.

[rockalt]

I'm glad I'm listening to The Athletic podcast instead of watching this Toronto crap lol.

. But I need more interviews with Gavin's friends and family! I hope we don't see this much focus on the picks after this. I get that the #1 pick is a big deal but this is overkill!

[theman]

That was nauseating.