What happened: Vancouver offered picks Nos. 33 and 41 for Ottawa's Nos. 25 and 72. Pittsburgh proposed a package built around a roster player. Steve Staios stayed at 25 for Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, then selected Jaxon 32.
Why it matters: Ottawa's internal ranking made an eight-slot move down to No. 33 a risk. The club's case for Lagerberg Hoen was reinforced when several top Swedish prospects identified him as a preferred teammate during interviews.
By the numbers: Vancouver's construction would have changed Ottawa's remaining slots from 25, 32 and 72 to 32, 33 and 41—an eight-place drop at the top and a 31-place gain later.
What to watch: Lagerberg Hoen's 2026-27 Allsvenskan role is the next development marker.