Canucks bolster roster with top draft picks
The Vancouver Canucks have made significant additions to their prospect pool during the recent NHL Entry Draft, selecting Caleb Malhotra third overall and Adam Novotný 24th overall. Malhotra’s selection is particularly notable due to his family connection, as his father, Manny Malhotra, was recently named the Canucks’ new head coach. This marks a special moment for both father and son, and for an organization embarking on a new chapter with fresh leadership.
Malhotra’s draft position makes him the highest-selected player in the history of the Brantford Bulldogs, surpassing Jake O’Brien, who was picked eighth a year prior. This is the third consecutive year that the Bulldogs have had a player chosen in the first round of the draft. Malhotra, an 18-year-old centre, is committed to Boston University for the upcoming season.
Malhotra spent his formative years in Vancouver during his father’s playing career with the team. His athletic background extends further, with his mother, Joann, having played college soccer at the University of Victoria, and his uncle being Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP. Nash was present at the Malhotra family’s draft party in Buffalo to celebrate the occasion.
Malhotra’s OHL performance and future plans
Malhotra, a six-foot-two, 185-pound centre, had a record-setting rookie year with the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL. He recorded 29 goals and 55 assists in 67 games, accumulating 84 points. This performance broke O’Brien’s rookie scoring record. He led all league rookies in post-season production, registering 13 goals and 26 points in 15 playoff games with the Bulldogs.
Malhotra was widely considered a top centreman on the draft board, needing only one OHL season to position himself among the top three in the 2026 draft class. He ranked second league-wide in assists during his OHL season. If Malhotra signs with the Canucks, he would likely return to the Bulldogs for further development.
Novotný adds offensive talent to Canucks
Twenty-one spots after Malhotra, the Canucks selected Adam Novotný, a forward from the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Novotný, the 24th overall pick, is known for his strong shot and personality. In his rookie OHL season, the Czech forward scored 34 goals in 58 games, tying for second-most league-wide. His 65 points placed him fourth among draft-eligible OHL players in the 2025-26 season.
Novotný made his professional hockey debut in Czechia’s top league at 15 years old in 2023-24, becoming the youngest player to score a goal in that league. He continued to play professionally in Czechia during the 2024-25 campaign before moving to North America for his draft year. He is recognized for his elite skating, an NHL-ready shot, and a physical playing style, alongside a strong reputation for character and being a good teammate. Novotný is the first Czech player selected in this year’s draft. The Canucks acquired this pick from the Minnesota Wild as part of a trade that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.
Additional draft selections
In the second round, the Canucks continued to build their prospect pool. At 31st overall, they selected centre Brooks Rogowski from the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. Rogowski, who is six-foot-seven, was one of the tallest players in the draft and played for the team that finished last in the OHL during the previous season. The Michigan native has committed to Michigan State for the 2027-28 season.
The Canucks’ 41st overall pick was right winger Niklas Aaram-Olsen, who played for Orebro HK in the SHL and Swedish junior leagues. Aaram-Olsen, a Norwegian player, excelled at the junior level last season. He was ranked 36th in draft rankings by Jason Bukala, who described him as a goal-scoring forward with speed and the ability to drive to the net with the puck.
The Toronto Maple Leafs made the first overall pick, selecting Gavin McKenna, followed by the San Jose Sharks, who chose Ivar Stenberg second overall.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
