The loudest storyline of the first round went to Vancouver at third overall, where the Canucks drafted Caleb with his father Manny behind their bench. Strip away the family angle and they still landed a center who rebuilt his stock in a single OHL season: 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) and a plus-33 in 67 games as a rookie, then 26 points in 15 playoff games to pace Brantford. He wins on processing, always a step ahead, slowing or pushing the pace at will, working as a connector who lets linemates finish while he handles the detail work, faceoffs, forecheck, net drives, inside body position. The hands are quick and the shot is more accurate than its reputation, but the honest question is whether the high-end offense exists for a true 1C, and most evaluators land on second-line projection.

The the surprise of not many, Malholtra was drafted third overall by the Canucks. It could possibly be awkward in the future if his father is still the Head Coach of the Canucks and has to keep him at reduced minutes! He is a solid selection.

Caleb Malhotra has NHL bloodlines; he is the son of former NHL player Manny Malhotra, and he is showing that the apple does not fall far from the tree. Caleb has been a standout player for the Brantford Bulldogs early in the 2025-26 season, showcasing his abilities across the entire 200 feet of the ice surface with sound defense and high-energy offense. He is a high-end two-way centre who looks to hear his name called on the first day of the 2026 NHL Draft.-

He heads to Boston University in 2026-27, where added strength is the next unlock. Fantasy value leans on playmaking, transition and power-play looks rather than raw goal totals. A reliable two-way 2C who flirts with 60 points if the offense keeps climbing.

December Rankings – Malhotra is one of the biggest risers early in the 2026 draft season. He burst onto the scene putting up well over a point per game pace playing on the OHL’s best team and most potent offense. Malhotra is such a likeable player because he plays a smart, responsible and detailed game. He is the linchpin that holds his line together letting his linemates go wild. Malhotra does not have many weaknesses. He’s a strong skater who competes hard and can both score and make plays. He would rank higher, but the scouting team is a bit concerned he might not have the high-end offense you’d hope to see of a potential top six C. Because of this, we’re not comfortable moving him up and view him more as a middle-six C option. There’s plenty of time left in the season for Malhotra to show more of the high-end skill we’d like to see and continue to ascend on draft boards.