Caleb Malhotra Emerges as an Option for Canucks’ No. 3 Draft Pick

Overview

• Malhotra completed a breakout lone OHL season with Brantford, scoring 29 goals and 84 points in 67 games before his club lost a seven-game Eastern Conference final to Barrie.
• His path — U16 Vaughan Kings to BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs to one high-production OHL year — is unorthodox and helped accelerate his draft profile this spring.
• He told reporters he leans daily on his father Manny for guidance and consults his uncle Steve Nash sometimes, and he praised Bulldogs coach Jay McKee as one of the best mentors he’s had.
• Malhotra is committed to Boston University for next season, which gives NHL teams a choice between immediate pro timelines and college development.
• Coverage links him to the Vancouver Canucks’ third-overall pick because he is a local prospect with family ties to Vancouver’s AHL affiliate and scouts have noted his size, speed and two-way play.