While there’s a lot to be decided when the 2026 NHL Draft takes place next month, there’s a chance that a player with local ties might be on his way to Vancouver.

Brantford Bulldogs centre Caleb Malhotra is considered one of the top prospects heading into this year’s draft. The 17-year-old is the sixth-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, and sixth overall based on Daily Faceoff draft expert Steven Ellis‘ latest rankings.

Yet, some think Malhotra might jump up in the draft, with the belief that the Vancouver Canucks might be interested in the Toronto native after an exceptional season in the Ontario Hockey League.

While Malhotra was born in Ontario, he spent time in Vancouver as his father, former centre Manny Malhotra, played three seasons with the Canucks from 2010 to 2013 and was a key part of the team’s memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.

In an interview with TSN’s Mark Masters, Malhotra mentioned how special it would be if he were to be drafted by the Canucks. Not only because of his ties to the city, but also because his dad is the head coach of Vancouver’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks.

“Growing up in Vancouver, going back home would be really cool. That’s the team I cheered for most of my life. My dad being a part of that organization, it’d be interesting.”

Malhotra had an impressive rookie season with the Bulldogs, scoring 29 goals and 55 assists for 84 points in 67 games. He added another 26 points in 15 contests in the playoffs, helping Brantford make it to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final, ultimately losing to the Barrie Colts.

Malhotra, who’s committed to play collegiately at Boston University next season, said that his efforts this year earned his status as one of the better prospects in the draft.

“I think I was pretty good,” Malhotra added. “I think I’ve made my mark, made a name for myself. I’ve still got a ways to go. I did, kind of, exactly what I wanted…I got better as the season went on. It kind of showed in my postseason as well.”

Before joining the Bulldogs, Malhotra spent a year in the British Columbia Hockey League, scoring 26 points in 44 games with the Chilliwack Chiefs during the 2024-25 campaign. He also played for the BC Junior Canucks in the 2018 Brick Invitational.

The Canucks are set to pick third overall in the 2026 draft. The team had the best odds to win the draft lottery, but stumbled to No. 3 as Vancouver was leapfrogged by the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks. The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27, taking place at the KeyBank Centre in Buffalo.