Big-time help is coming for the Canucks fans hyped for what's next

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Jonathan Ouimet
May 23, 2026  (1:50)

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Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Elliotte Friedman just connected the Vancouver Canucks to one of the most talked-about names in the 2026 draft class. And the timing couldn't be louder.

"In the scouting community out there, they believe there's a real legit chance the Canucks take Caleb Malhotra at 3," Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast.

That's not a mock draft hot take. That's a top NHL insider telling you what scouts are whispering.

The Canucks finished 25-49-8 for 58 points. Dead last in the league. 32nd overall. A goal differential of minus-100.

That kind of bottom-out earned them a high lottery slot. Now Friedman is reporting they may use it on a kid who carries one of the most familiar names in the building.

Manny Malhotra suited up for the Canucks. He coached in the organization too. His son being linked to Vancouver at 3 isn't a coincidence the fan base will let slide quietly.

Here's the question every Canucks fan is sitting with tonight. Is Malhotra at 3 the safe play, or the bold one?

Top of the draft usually means the highest-upside skater on the board. Going off-script for connection and character is the kind of pick that defines a regime.

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The eye test on Friedman's delivery was matter-of-fact. He wasn't speculating. He cited what the scouting community was saying, plural, repeatedly.

Vancouver went 9-27-5 at home this season. The fan base watched a -100 differential play out one ugly Saturday night at a time.

That kind of year doesn't get fixed with a feel-good pick. It gets fixed with a top-six forward who can play 200 feet at the NHL level.

Whether Malhotra is that player at 3 is the debate that will dominate every Vancouver radio show until June.

Adam Foote inherited a roster that gave up 316 goals. The next coach to draw up a power play in Vancouver, whoever it is, will want a centerpiece arriving with this pick.

Friedman's reports have a way of becoming true. Not always. But often enough that scouts in other markets are now updating their boards.

The draft sits weeks away. Vancouver's front office knows exactly what they're picking. The rest of the league is now guessing too.

The next leak will tell us more.

Previously

Avalanche goalies caught in a moment that explains Colorado's whole season

Nobody saw this coming at the end of the Marlies playoff game

Crosby went straight at Canadiens forward with comments fans cannot believe

POLL

1 HOUR AGO   |   32 ANSWERS Big-time help is coming for the Canucks fans hyped for what's next Should the Canucks take Caleb Malhotra at 3rd overall ?

▢    Yes

▢    No

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