Canucks select Caleb Malhotra third overall at NHL draft

The Vancouver Canucks have selected Caleb Malhotra, son of new head coach Manny Malhotra, with the third overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. This marks a significant moment for the Canucks, who have never picked first overall in the NHL draft but found themselves dropping from the best lottery odds to the third selection.

Malhotra, a six-foot-two, 182-pound center from Toronto, had an impressive season with the Ontario Hockey League's Brantford Bulldogs, recording 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games. He further bolstered his performance in the playoffs, adding 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 15 contests.

The draft saw the Buffalo Sabres select defenseman Daxon Rudolph from Lacombe, Alberta, with the fourth overall pick. Rudolph, who stands six-foot-two, tied for the WHL playoff scoring lead with 27 points in 19 games, helping his team reach the final. He has previously represented Canada on the under-18 team and is committed to the University of Denver for the upcoming season.

Further down the first round, the Calgary Flames picked defenseman Carson Carels from Cypress River, Manitoba, at sixth overall. The six-foot-one, 175-pound blueliner scored 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games for the WHL Prince George Cougars. He is committed to the University of North Dakota next season and recently celebrated his 18th birthday. The Seattle Kraken selected defenseman Chase Reid at seventh overall, while the San Jose Sharks took defenseman Keaton Verhoeff with the ninth pick.