If Ivar Stenberg falls to third in this year’s NHL draft, could the Vancouver Canucks really pass up on the opportunity to take him?

That’s the opinion from six NHL scouts and executives surveyed by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman this week. Asked where they project each player to land (not their own draft rankings), the scouts and executives nearly unanimously picked the Canucks to target Malhotra, Pronman writes:

In the mock draft, Gavin McKenna is projected to go first overall, followed by Chase Reid to the San Jose Sharks at second overall, both unanimous picks. Malhotra is a great option for the Canucks, but if Stenberg falls to third overall, could Vancouver pass on the opportunity to bring him in?

Many experts consider Stenberg to be a top-two prospect available in this year’s draft. The Swedish teenager had 33 points in 43 games with Frölunda HC this season. It’s the fifth-most points recorded by an 18-year-old in Swedish Hockey League history, and the most since Daniel and Henrik Sedin put up 42 and 34, respectively, in the 1998-99 season. He’s known as a strong two-way winger who is expected to be a strong playmaking force at the NHL level.

With Malhotra, the Canucks would receive a solid centreman to focus their rebuild around. The 17-year-old Toronto native had 29 goals and 84 points in 67 games with the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs this past season. He has committed to Boston University for the 2026-27 season.

With Malhotra, there’s also the consideration that his father, Manny, is reportedly in negotiations to take over as Vancouver’s head coach. However, new general manager Ryan Johnson explicitly stated last week that their relationship will not affect the Canucks’draft-day decisions.

What do you think, Canucks fans? If Ivar Stenberg falls to third overall, would it be a mistake for the Canucks to pass on the opportunity to select Caleb Malhotra over the top prospect? Let us know in the comments below!