Overview
- The Vancouver Canucks used the No. 3 pick at the NHL Draft in Buffalo on June 26, 2026, to select Caleb Malhotra, confirming long-running speculation about the club’s interest in the prospect.
- Caleb Malhotra is an 18-year-old Boston University commit and a top forward prospect known for his skating and offensive instincts, and he becomes Vancouver’s first top-three pick in 27 years.
- His father, Manny Malhotra, was promoted to be the Canucks’ head coach earlier in June, creating a rare head coach–player family pairing at the NHL level.
- Caleb’s family, including his uncle Steve Nash, attended the draft and praised the selection, and Caleb called being picked by Vancouver a dream come true on the broadcast.
- The selection deepens the Canucks’ rebuild plan but also prompts close watching of how the club will handle roster decisions, playing time and development to avoid perceptions of favoritism.