The Vancouver Canucks have ignited a wave of online fury after using their No. 3 overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft to select the head coach's teenage son.
Team executives selected 18-year-old OHL standout Caleb Malhotra at the KeyBank Center on Friday night. The controversial selection pairs the rising center directly with his father, Manny Malhotra, who was recently appointed as Vancouver's head coach. While the younger Malhotra is considered a highly talented prospect, the family ties immediately sparked accusations of nepotism among fans.
Disgruntled supporters took to social media platforms to criticize the decision, with many arguing that the front office passed on more dynamic offensive talent. On X, one fan wrote, "He is great, and it may work out. But they reached hard for the coach's son." Another user commented, "So Malhotra is a nepo pick right...", while a third added, "Drafting the coach’s son in perhaps hockey’s most frenetic and critical market… I trust Manny’s judgement, but hope the Canucks know what they’re doing here."
The draft-floor drama has overshadowed Caleb's successful season with the Brantford Bulldogs, where he recorded 84 points in 67 games. He also led his team in playoff points, with 26 points in 15 games.
The highly scrutinized prospect has committed to playing college ice hockey at Boston University for the upcoming season to continue his development.
Speaking at the draft, the 18-year-old Malhotra reflected on his childhood memories of watching the Canucks with his father. "I think the biggest memory is playing mini sticks in the room and after games, or playing with the other little kids around the dressing room," he said. "I remember how cool it was seeing how big the stalls were when you were a little kid, and seeing their equipment and thinking how cool it was. That's something I always remember."
