Gold Plan: Vancouver Canucks' New Draft Strategy

0:00It's March 24th. Welcome to NHL News Today, AI-powered coverage of your squad. The Vancouver Canucks became the first NHL team knocked out a playoff contention this season. After 69 games, they set 15 points behind the next worst team and 25 points from a playoff spot. With just 13 games left, their focus now is holding on to last place for the best shot at the top draft pick in the 2026 lottery. Imagine if the NHL adopted the goal plan, like the women's pro hockey league does. Created back in 2012 by Adam Gold, it kicks in once a team is eliminated. From that point, teams rack up special points from wins and ties, and the one with the most gets the first overall draft choice. Fans and players would stay fired up since every remaining game would matter for that top pick. It cuts down on tanking by rewarding actual wins, even if eliminated teams get a head start with more games. Plus, it helps league balance by keeping roster competitive. For the Canucks, this would flip their final stretch.

1:02They faced tough opponents like the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Edmonton Oilers, plus playoff chasers such as the Vegas Golden Knights, and Los Angeles Kings. Winning those would boost their draft points instead of hurting lottery odds. The goal plan could reshape how fading teams finished strong, turning dead end seasons into real battles for franchise changing talent like Gavin. McKenna or Ivar Stenberg.