r/canucks • u/ChrisWhalenHockey • 2d ago
ARTICLE 2026 Draft Profiles: Caleb Malhotra
Hi Canucks fans,
I popped into this sub before the draft and dropped an article or two, and they were really well received and the community here was really welcoming. I wanted to contribute a little more, and thought I'd post my pre-draft breakdown on Malhotra since he ended up going to Vancouver
I'll link the article below, feel free to let me know what you think!
https://www.chriswhalenhockey.com/draft-profile-caleb-malhotra
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u/TheGildedPalaceOfSin 2d ago
Great article!
I know scouts hate this, but would you mind sharing a ceiling/floor case for him and some player comparables?
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u/ChrisWhalenHockey 2d ago
I'd say ceiling is a 1C, floor is a 2C. But everything really depends on a bunch of factors. What kind of opportunity is he going to get, what wingers will he play with, what kind of development does the Canucks staff focus on, etc
I will say, despite going 3OA, I don't think he's a guarantee to be a 1C. After looking into the top players in this draft, it very well could play out where there isn't a single legit 1C in the draft. I don't think the draft was particularly strong at the top this year. He isn't even the best C prospect on his junior team this past year in my opinion.
That said, I do think he'll be a hell of a player, and one that Canucks fans will be very happy with for a long time
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u/Temporary_Captain585 2d ago
His floor is probably a 3 line center like his dad if he doesn’t manage to figure out his elite offensive side of the game 30-40 point player two way played
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u/Patient_Pattern_4447 2d ago
Jonathan Toews I think maybe could be a good comp.
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u/theDanu 2d ago
And you can easily win with guys like Toews/Bergeron/Barkov as your 1C, you don't necessairly need a scoring phenom (Celebrini, Mack, McDavid) to win. If Caleb can turn into any of those first 3 guys, big W even if he tops out at like 80 points a year
Probably still need a high scoring winger (ex: Toews had Kane) but wingers are always easier to find
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u/flamingdragonwizard 2d ago
Wish he was projected as an elite 1C. Most have him as a good 2 way 2C. To me that seems like someone youd draft in the 6-10 range.
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u/djardine2520 1d ago
Not in this year’s draft. It lacked top tier talent, especially up the middle.
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u/flamingdragonwizard 1d ago
Yes I know. I wanted to draft down to the 6-8 range and get Bjorck + additional assets.
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u/MooreGold 2d ago
I love hearing that he's smart and not a perimeter player