Yardbarker
x
Canucks fans react to drafting Caleb Malhotra third overall
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Canucks fans react to drafting Caleb Malhotra third overall

Originally posted on Canucksarmy  |  By Dylan Nazareth  |  Last updated Jun 26, 2026 9:21 PM ET
Google Add us as a preferred source on Google

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leave us your thoughts, what do you think of the Canucks selecting Caleb Malhotra at third overall?

This article first appeared on Canucksarmy and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA.