“Reid’s got that dynamic vision and that dynamism in his game. Like his skating, to be a difference-maker on the offensive side. This is a guy who’s going to run a top power play; he’s going to be your number one offensive defenceman as a right-hand shot. While I love Carson Carels, there have been moments where I’ve toyed with it. I just think at the end of the day – aside from maybe Xavier Villeneuve, who has a lot of question marks in him – he undoubtedly has all the tools to be that next offensive defenceman, number one guy. I just can’t pass up on a right-hand shot that can run it all.”

“I go back to one thing that you said, Dave. That if Carels were a right-shot, he’d probably be the first defenceman taken. So, that makes me think that maybe he should be the best-rated defenceman. I got to watch him at the WHL Top Prospects game, and the way he took the game over was unbelievable. I was so impressed. I didn’t know he was going to be as physical as he was.”

“Malhotra’s incredible OHL playoff run should ensure he’s a top-five pick – and, maybe, top-three. Malhotra’s steady, smart play has helped him emerge as the No. 1 center for this draft. It’s not a great group down the middle, but Malhotra looks like a future top-six threat. He was a huge part of Brantford’s success this year, which included 13 goals and 26 points in just 15 playoff games. Malhotra battles hard at both ends, giving opponents little time to make quick, heads-up decisions with the puck. Will he have the natural play-driving ability to excel offensively in the NHL? We’ll see. I think Chase Reid is a good option here, but if it’s tight (and ignoring the family connection), this fits Vancouver’s needs more.”

“Arguably the top center available in the draft, the 17-year-old could be the foundation of the Canucks’ rebuilding effort. Malhotra was second among Ontario Hockey League rookies with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games and was even better during the OHL playoffs with 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 15 games to help Brantford reach the conference finals. He’s gifted offensively while also being a committed two-way player with good hockey genes. He also has a Canucks connection. His father, Manny Malhotra, has coached Abbotsford, Vancouver’s American Hockey League affiliate, the past two seasons.”

“Vancouver lacks a young, elite center capable of driving play, creating offense and growing into a first-line talent. Malhotra was second in scoring among OHL rookies and is attentive to detail and productive in all aspects of the game, making an impact at 5-on-5, on the power play and the penalty kill.”

“They need a centre and I think Caleb Malhotra projects as a No. 1 centre all day long. He’s a complete, two-way, competitive centre, does it all. He’s had tremendous progression over the course of the season. You’ve see what he did in the playoffs. He’s a big-time player.”

“You can’t have enough centres in your system, and when it comes to Malhotra there’s familiarity with the family and ties to the area. Father Manny is the AHL team’s head coach. Seems like a perfect fit.”

“Malhotra’s ascendence has positioned him not just as the clear No. 1 center in the draft but in the conversation for some teams alongside McKenna and Stenberg as the top forward in the draft period. He fits like a glove for a Canucks team that needs that franchise center to build around. Don’t get it twisted, either: This wouldn’t be a decision influenced by Caleb’s dad, Manny, being the Canucks’ AHL head coach. He belongs at the top of the draft and checks all of the boxes you look for in a winner center. I’m sure they’d consider Stenberg here, but they feel like Malhotra’s landing spot to me.”