Canucks Draft Caleb Malhotra
The Vancouver Canucks have chosen Caleb Malhotra as the third overall pick in the National Hockey League Draft. This selection unites Caleb with his father, Manny Malhotra, who was named the Canucks’ head coach earlier in June. This marks the first time in 27 years that the Canucks have made such a high pick, and it represents a notable moment in NHL history, as only eight times has a father coached his son in the league.
Ryan Johnson, the Canucks’ new general manager, emphasized that the decision to draft Caleb was based on his merits as a player. Johnson stated that the team did not draft “Manny’s kid” but rather “Caleb Malhotra,” focusing on what Caleb could bring to the organization. The general manager indicated that the potential dynamic of Caleb playing for his father was not a factor in the selection process.
Caleb, an 18-year-old two-way centre, expressed gratitude for being drafted, particularly by an organization with a personal connection. He mentioned that he had no prior knowledge or hints from anyone about the Canucks’ intentions, stating he was as surprised as everyone else. The family has strong ties to British Columbia, with Caleb born in Vancouver and his mother, Joann Malhotra, hailing from Victoria.
The Canucks also drafted Adam Novotny, a goal-scoring Czech winger, with the 24th pick, marking the first time since 2014 that the team selected two first-rounders. The team will open Day 2 of the draft with the first pick of the second round.
Malhotra’s Journey to the NHL Draft
Caleb Malhotra’s selection followed a successful season with the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League. In his only OHL campaign, he recorded 84 points in 67 games, along with 26 points in 15 playoff games. This performance set a new rookie scoring record for the Bulldogs, surpassing Jake O’Brien‘s previous record.
Malhotra’s commitment to Boston University for next season suggests that Manny may need to wait a year or two before coaching his son in the NHL. Caleb described their shared journey as a gradual climb, with both father and son progressing through their respective hockey careers.
The father-son coaching dynamic is not new to the Malhotras. Joann Malhotra recalled an earlier period when Manny coached Caleb in youth hockey, noting the challenges and eventual understanding that developed between them. She explained that they established a clear boundary, with Manny asking Caleb if he wanted “dad or coach” in those situations.
Manny Malhotra reflected on the evolution of their dynamic, noting that as Caleb matured, he became more receptive to his father’s professional hockey advice. He emphasized that in the arena, Caleb would be treated like any other player, and outside the arena, their conversations would be strictly father-son, without discussing hockey.
Family Connections and Expectations
The Malhotra family has deep roots in sports. Joann Malhotra is the younger sister of basketball Hall-of-Famer Steve Nash, who was present at the draft in Buffalo. Another of Joann’s brothers, Martin, played professional soccer in Vancouver and continues to coach in the city.
Caleb’s drafting at third overall surpasses his father’s draft position, as Manny Malhotra was selected seventh overall by the New York Rangers in the 1998 draft. Manny acknowledged Caleb’s long-standing goal to be drafted higher than him.
Joann Malhotra expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the unique father-son coaching situation in the NHL, acknowledging its complexity while highlighting their integrity and commitment to doing things correctly. She noted that while there is no established roadmap for such a scenario, both Manny and Caleb possess the qualities to make it work.
The family moved from Vancouver to Carolina in 2013, then to Montreal, before settling in Toronto, but always returned to Vancouver during summers, considering it home. Joann described the draft moment as surreal, reflecting on Caleb’s childhood dreams and her pride in his achievements.
Caleb Malhotra was the first Canadian Hockey League and Ontario Hockey League player selected in the draft.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
