[Robbob]

Originally Posted by getbak

No, that is incorrect. Only the final 4 spots in the draft change based on playoff performance. The losers of the Conference Finals get picks 29 and 30, the loser of the Final gets pick 31, and the Cup Champ gets pick 32. Picks 17-32 are based entirely on the final standings.

Look at 2019, the Flames finished 2nd overall but lost in the first round, so they got pick #26.


If Vancouver holds on to finish first overall, their pick will either be 28th (if they lose in the first 2 rounds), 30th (if they lose in the Conference Final), or 31st (if they lose the Final). Since it's the Canucks, we know if won't be 32nd overall.

So really the debate is what is better something around 28th and 128th or 30th and 94th.