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Canucks’ No. 3 Pick Uncertain as Insider Says Coach’s Son May Be Passed Over

Vancouver must weigh Caleb Malhotra’s rising prospect profile against conflict-of-interest optics and roster priorities before the draft.

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Sweden’s Elton Hermansson (17) protects the puck from Jonas Kemps (33) of the United States in the U17 World Challenge bronze-medal game at Progressive Auto Sales Arena in Sarnia, Ont., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
Liam Ruck (left) and twin brother Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers. The siblings are from Osoyoos.

Overview

  • NHL insider David Pagnotta said Sunday he does not expect the Vancouver Canucks to use the third overall pick on Caleb Malhotra if the centre is still available.
  • Caleb Malhotra is widely rated as a top forward in the 2026 class after a 29-goal, 84-point OHL regular season and a 13-goal, 26-point playoff run for Brantford.
  • The Canucks interviewed Malhotra at the draft combine and directly asked him about playing for his father Manny, who was promoted to Vancouver’s head coach this offseason.
  • Mock drafts diverge on the pick: The Athletic’s Corey Pronman projects Vancouver taking Malhotra at No. 3 while some insiders and analysts say the team may prefer other prospects to avoid optics or follow a different board.
  • How Vancouver decides could shape the club’s multi-year, development-first rebuild under GM Ryan Johnson and influence public trust in the organization’s roster choices and player-development path.