Who the Vancouver Canucks Are Likely to Pick Third at Today's NHL Draft
- On Friday, the Vancouver Canucks selected centre Caleb Malhotra with the third overall pick at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, marking a unique milestone as he joins the club recently coached by his father, Manny Malhotra.
- Standing six-foot-two and 182 pounds, Malhotra is widely considered the draft's top centre with a 200-foot game. The Brantford Bulldogs forward recorded 84 points in 67 games this season, setting a rookie scoring record.
- Malhotra said, "This is something that I literally dream about," while Manny joked, "The only hat I want to wear tonight is the dad hat." He grew up wanting to play for the team his father helped reach the 2011 final.
- Later in the first round, Vancouver tabbed Adam Novotny with the 24th overall pick. The Peterborough Petes winger, standing six-foot-one and 205 pounds, is described by general manager Michael Oke as a versatile player who contributes in all three zones.
- Malhotra intends to play for Boston University this fall before transitioning to the NHL, allowing time for development. The Canucks hold eight additional picks on Saturday, continuing to build their roster through the remainder of the draft.
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25 Articles
Canucks get draft-day faller with their other first-round pick
It was the first time in 12 years that the Vancouver Canucks made two picks in the first round. After selecting Caleb Malhotra with the third overall pick, the Canucks stopped the draft-day slide for a big-bodied winger. With the 24th overall pick, the Canucks selected Adam Novotny. The Czech winger was ranked top-20 on most draft boards, and was the 15th-best prospect on Elite Prospects’ Consolidated Rankings. According to CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal,…
Vancouver Canucks select Caleb Malhotra with No. 3 pick in 2026 NHL draft - Northern Sentinel
Another Malhotra family member is headed to Vancouver. With the third pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, June 26 in Buffalo, the Vancouver Canucks selected centre Caleb Malhotra from the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League. Caleb’s dad Manny was recently named as head coach for the Canucks. "I've grown up rooting for the Canucks and being a fan." Olivia catches up with our 3rd overall pick Caleb Malhotra at the #NHLDraft.#C…
Vancouver Canucks select Caleb Malhotra with No. 3 pick in 2026 NHL draft - The Northern View
Another Malhotra family member is headed to Vancouver. With the third pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, June 26 in Buffalo, the Vancouver Canucks selected centre Caleb Malhotra from the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League. Caleb’s dad Manny was recently named as head coach for the Canucks. "I've grown up rooting for the Canucks and being a fan." Olivia catches up with our 3rd overall pick Caleb Malhotra at the #NHLDraft.#C…
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