The Vancouver Canucks have selected centre Caleb Malhotra with the third overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Malhotra, the son of new Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, put up 84 points through 67 regular-season games with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, before adding 26 points through 15 playoff games. Here is what we wrote about Malhotra not long ago:

“What makes Malhotra such a compelling prospect is the foundation of his game, built on work ethic, attention to two-way detail, and a competitive edge. Both with and without the puck, he consistently earns his opportunities, applying pressure on the forecheck, engaging in puck battles, and forcing defenders into rushed decisions. While he is not overly physical at this stage and could benefit from adding strength as he continues to develop, his motor is always running. Like Vancouver’s 2025 first-rounder Braeden Cootes, Malhotra does not rely on big hits to be effective; instead, he drives play through persistence, positioning, and a never-quit approach.”

Malhotra has committed to Boston University for next season.

As expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick. Justin Bieber made the selection for the Leafs.

30 minutes later, we got to pick number two.

At second overall, the San Jose Sharks went with Ivar Stenberg. There was some question whether or not the Sharks would go with a defenceman in this spot, but their trade of William Eklund to the Ottawa Senators earlier this week essentially gave them the flexibility to select whoever they pleased, and most agree that Stenberg was the best player available in this spot.

That left the Canucks with a few different options, most of which we’ve covered in the last month and a half. There were two notable centres in Caleb Malhotra, who as mentioned, is the son of Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, along with Viggo Björck, brother of Canucks prospect Willson Björck. There were also, of course, a few different defencemen to choose from: Chase Reid, Keaton Verhoeff, and Carson Carels were all defencemen the Canucks could have selected in this spot.

What do you think of the Canucks’ third overall selection? Let us know in the comments section below!

The Canucks have another selection in the first round tonight, at 24th overall. Follow along in our live blog, and be sure to come hang out in the live chat of our 2026 NHL Draft watch along over on the CanucksArmy YouTube channel below!