Canucks’ No. 3 pick Caleb Malhotra compares his game to father Manny

The Vancouver Canucks added a major piece to their rebuild by selecting center Caleb Malhotra with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

The selection marks the franchise’s highest NHL draft choice since Henrik Sedin went third overall in 1999. Shortly after hearing his name called, the 18-year-old discussed how his game compares with that of his father, new Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra.

Speaking with ESPN, Caleb admitted the moment had been building for years.

“A bit nervous, to be honest, but walking through the red carpet and seeing all the fans made me really excited,” Caleb said. “I’m so pumped now. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt before. I’m just so excited. Everything I’ve worked for is kind of building in this moment.”

When asked about the similarities with his father, Caleb pointed to one key difference.

“I think I’m just a bit more offensive than he was,” Caleb said. “I think my playmaking is kind of what sets me apart. Scoring goals, I think I’m a finisher. I think I can do everything around the net. So I think it’s a bit more offensive than he was.”

Laughing, he added, “One hundred percent. All the time, every day,” when asked if Manny knows about that comparison.

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Caleb Malhotra reacts with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected with the third pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Further delving into his skills, Caleb explained that his success around the net comes from lessons learned at home.

“I think reading bounces and just sniffing around the net is a big part of my game,” Caleb said. “I learned a lot from my dad about how to position yourself with defenders, getting your back on defenders and making sure you’re getting positioning around the net.”

He also credited Brantford teammate Jake O’Brien, saying, “Obviously, I played with some unbelievable players this year… he can find you almost anywhere. When I’m playing with him, I just get open.”

Caleb’s profile fits Vancouver’s long-term strategy. The organization is rebuilding after a difficult 58-point season and has committed to developing young talent instead of rushing prospects. Drafting the top-ranked natural center gives the franchise an important building block down the middle.

His offensive production supports that projection. Caleb recorded 84 points in 67 OHL games before adding 26 points in 15 playoff contests. He is expected to spend the 2026-27 season at Boston University, giving him additional time to develop before turning professional.

For Vancouver, patience is central to the plan. Caleb’s offensive instincts, combined with the defensive habits learned from his father, could eventually provide the Canucks with the complete two-way center every rebuilding team hopes to draft.