How are you feeling about the Canucks selecting Caleb Malhotra?
CanucksArmy has no direct affiliation to the Vancouver Canucks, Canucks Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Canucks fans react to drafting Caleb Malhotra third overall
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Jun 26, 2026, 21:21 EDTUpdated: Jun 26, 2026, 21:22 EDT
It’s official: Caleb Malhotra is a Vancouver Canuck.
On Friday, the Canucks used their third overall pick at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft to select the Brantford Bulldogs centreman. Malhotra is also the son of new Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra.
It’s no doubt a thrilling night for Malhotra, his father, and all of his family and friends. But how do Canucks fans feel about it? After the selection, CanucksArmy asked the question, and you answered.
Initial reactions from Vancouver fans varied greatly. Some Canucks fan were happy about the pick, looking at how it helps Vancouver’s long-term strength down the middle.
Great pick. Malhotra and Cootes? The center position is looking great.
I wasn’t sure about the situation but after watching tape he is an elite passer and can score. Can never have too many big C. I don’t mind it
Very happy with this pick i really wanted Stenberg but still happy either way honestly, i thinks he’s gonna be way better then people think
Braeden Cootes was selected by the Canucks in the first round of last year’s draft at 15th overall. He made his NHL debut this past season, playing three games in Vancouver. Cootes is currently listed a 6 feet, 185 lbs., and Malhotra boasts similar size at 6-foot-2, 185 lbs. That size was something that came up a few times with Canucks fans happy with the pick, pointing to his physicality as an asset that will help the team down the road.
Caleb has every chance to be a very very good NHL player - premium position, size, work ethic, and premium production the last 6 months and during playoffs in a top tier league against top tier competition
great! good luck to him! He will add to team identity , the team lacked identity players. When opponents play Van the opponents know they have to go through murderers row. He adds to that.
Others pointed to him being one of the youngest players in the draft as cause for optimism. The 18-year-old is committed to Boston University in the fall where he’ll continue to grow his game in the NCAA.
Knowing his rise took place entirely as a 17-year-old and that he's one of the youngest in the draft eases my nerves a little.
I like it, give him 2 years to mature even more before he comes to van. Canucks won’t be good anyways during that time.
Meanwhile, other fans weren’t too thrilled with the pick. After the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna, then the San Jose Sharks took Ivar Stenberg, some questioned if the Canucks should have opted for one of the elite defenders available in this draft, like Carson Carels.
wanted Carels... Calgary got a steal, but hope Caleb proves me wrong
Safe pick. Not sure you go safe at 3
No matter what you think, we can probably all agree the biggest disappointment for Canucks fans is that they weren’t awarded the first overall pick in a year the team finished dead last.
exceptional character, high upside, fits positional need - I see no reason to not be cautiously optimistic, which is how I've decided to feel (in a draft year where our placement was the big disappointment tbf)
Leave us your thoughts, what do you think of the Canucks selecting Caleb Malhotra at third overall?
Sponsored by bet365
Breaking News
- ‘Things are starting to go the right way’: Says Canucks’ Zeev Buium
- NHL Notebook: Ex-Canucks D Carson Soucy signs PTO with Blue Jackets; Sabres bet on Ostlund
- Pettersson, Boeser, and Hronek speak to kick off Canucks training camp week
- Canucks: What’s the best place for Adam Novotny to play this season?
- Former Canucks captain Bo Horvat named New York Islanders captain
Vancouver CanucksTeam Cap Summary
Cap Summary
2027-28
2028-29
Projected Cap Hit
$72,303,333
$57,080,833
Projected Cap Space
$41,196,666
$65,919,166
Current Cap Space
$41,196,666
$65,919,166
Active Players
14/23
8/23
Draft Picks
Round
'27
'28
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
1
1