"There’s a chance Canucks get McKenna and keep Hughes": Fans cheer after Vancouver drops to dead last in NHL standings

The Vancouver Canucks hit rock bottom on Thursday night, dropping to last place in the NHL standings after wins by Nashville and Calgary.

Instead of panic, the news triggered a wave of excitement across the fanbase with many seeing the collapse as the clearest path yet to landing projected 2026 No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna and pairing him with franchise defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Rick Dhaliwal

@DhaliwalSports

With wins by Nashville and Calgary tonight, the Canucks drop to 32nd and dead last in the NHL standings.

Vancouver has lost six of its last seven games, including a 3-1 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche and a 3-2 loss to San Jose. The Canucks sit at 10-14-3, last in the league, having struggled with inconsistent offense and major defensive breakdowns.

When reporter Rick Dhaliwal posted the update on X, Canucks fans immediately lit up the comment section.

“So you’re saying there’s a chance the Canucks get McKenna and keep Hughes,” one fan wrote.

Antonio Browns Therapist

@DABestTherapist

@DhaliwalSports so you’re saying there’s a chance the canucks get Mkenna and keep hughes

“Finally some hope for this franchise. Need a top draft pick,” one fan wrote.

“This is unbelievably good...holy shit!! We officially have best odds for #1 overall, but drafting top 3 would still be great,” another user commented

Other similar comments piled on:

Infokid

@Infokid1Infokid

@DhaliwalSports McKenna incoming.

★ Jim Bugg ★

@jimbugg

@DhaliwalSports It's happening! We're doing it!!

McKenna, 17, has been putting up huge numbers in the WHL and impressing in early NCAA action. He is viewed by scouts as a franchise-altering winger with elite playmaking and a "special" hockey IQ.

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Canucks head coach provides update on Evander Kane’s injury

After Tuesday's game, Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote delivered a positive update on forward Evander Kane following a frightening third-period moment in the 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Late in the third period, a battle between Kane and Gabriel Landeskog near the Colorado bench led to a chaotic collision. As the two wrestled for the puck, a linesman hopped onto the boards to avoid the play. Kane skated past at the wrong moment and made contact with the official’s skate blade, which appeared to catch him on the left forearm. He immediately crumpled to the ice, clutching his arm, and left the game.

Adam Foote confirmed after the final whistle that the injury looked worse than it ultimately was.

“He got a scare,” Foote told reporters.

Iain MacIntyre

@imacSportsnet

Adam Foote said Evander Kane got a scare late in game with skate to his forearm. Said the skin was lacerated, but Foote thinks Kane will be OK. Avoided serious injury.

He mentioned that despite the alarming visuals, Kane avoided serious damage and is expected to be okay.

Kane’s status for Friday remains uncertain as Vancouver returns home to open a four-game homestand starting with a matchup against the Utah Mammoth.