Why Caleb Malhotra is a good fit for the Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are looking to dig themselves out of the basement of the NHL over the next few years as they try to re-establish themselves among the ranks of contenders in the Western Conference.
After bottoming out in the 2025-26 season, the Canucks hired former role player Manny Malhotra as their new head coach, and after falling two spots in the NHL Draft lottery, they selected his son Caleb, the consensus best center available in June’s 2026 Draft, with the No. 3 overall pick.
Malhotra shined with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs last season, recording 84 points on 28 goals and 55 assists in 67 regular season appearances. Whether the younger Malhotra makes the team in Vancouver or not out of training camp, his OHL days are over, as he is committed to play for Boston University at the NCAA level next season.
On Thursday’s episode of The Sheet, host Jeff Marek was joined by Brantford Bulldogs general manager Spencer Hyman to discuss Malhotra’s junior career and why he fits in so well with a rebuilding Canucks franchise that is now counting on him to be great.
Spencer Hyman: “Caleb is always and forever going to be a (Brantford) Bulldog. We’re so proud of him. You know, I think the draft couldn’t have worked out more perfect for him. I texted (Canucks GM) Ryan Johnson after the draft and just said, ‘Congrats. You got not only a superstar hockey player but a superstar human. And I know you know that.’ And he texted me back saying, ‘I wasn’t leaving without him.’ So he’s going to a place that understands who he is and that loves him. And he loves them back.
“And I couldn’t think of a better match for him. He’s a special person. He’s a special player. And I’m really excited to watch him at Boston University this year and then go through his career and into the NHL and watch him score goals against my brother (Edmonton Oilers Zach Hyman) and the fun little rivalry between them, which would be pretty cool.”
You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode below…
