Canucks Select Malhotra Third Overall

The Vancouver Canucks select Caleb Malhotra with the third overall selection in the 2026 NHL entry draft. 

After a year to forget for Vancouver, the Canucks finished their season dead last, and as such, held the best odds to select first overall for the first time in franchise history. Alas, the draft lottery saw the Canucks drop 3, and gave Vancouver much to deliberate when it came to their first selection in the draft. 

With top wingers Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg off the board, the Canucks opt for the top centermen in this year’s draft. Caleb, of course, being the son of Vancouver head coach Manny Malhotra, there was ample debate as to whether the Canucks would select Manny’s son with their first pick. 

That debate is put to rest now as Caleb dons the Canucks sweater for the first time in his career. Drafted in the same city as his father, 28 years later, and 4 picks sooner. 

Caleb Malhotra

Malhotra, as a player, is someone who Canucks fans should fall in love with easily. A hard-working two-way forward with size and skill, giving his 100%, 100% of the time. In 2025/26, playing for Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL, Malhotra had 29 goals, 55 assists, for 84 points in 67 games. 

Those stats were elevated in the post-season, where in 15 playoff games, Malhotra potted 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points. 

Malhotra is one of the most well-rounded players coming out of this draft class. Combining size and skill, Malhotra’s elite vision and playmaking allow him to generate dangerous scoring chances without requiring much space. Malhotra’s two-way play is as highly touted as his offence, using his size to keep attackers at bay, and reading plays as they develop and putting himself in the right places. 

In addition to Malhotra’s excellence as a hockey player, one his most coveted traits is of his person. Many see Malhotra as a possible future captain in the NHL. A consummate professional whose work ethic and maturity is evident to everyone around him. 

Malhotra has committed to Boston University for the 2026-27 season, and so will likely play out his d+1 year in the NCAA on an excellent BU team.