The Vancouver Canucks have ignited a wave of online fury after using their No. 3 overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft to pick the head coach’s teenage son.
Team executives stunned the hockey world at KeyBank Center on Friday night by officially calling up 18-year-old OHL standout Caleb Malhotra to the stage.
The controversial selection pairs the rising center directly with his father, Manny Malhotra, who was only recently appointed as Vancouver’s head coach.
While the younger Malhotra is considered a highly talented prospect, the obvious family ties immediately sparked heavy accusations of nepotism among fans.
Disgruntled supporters quickly took to various social platforms to slam the strategy, with many arguing that the front office passed on far more dynamic offensive talent.
Taking to X as they reacted to the news, one fan wrote: ‘He is great, and it may work out. But they reached hard for the coach’s son.’
The Vancouver Canucks took Caleb Malhotra with the third overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft
The controversial selection pairs the rising center directly with his father, Manny Malhotra, who was only recently appointed as Vancouver’s head coach
‘So Malhotra is a nepo pick right…’, another fan said on the social media platform.
Meanwhile, one user who was assessing a number of picks from Friday night’s Draft, wrote: ‘Canucks: Malhotra: B+ nepo pick but still very good’.
‘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,’ said another fan on social media.
The draft-floor drama has overshadowed Caleb’s stellar season with the Brantford Bulldogs, where the center racked up a spectacular 84 points in 67 games.
He also led his team in playoff points during the recent season, picking up 26 points from their 15 games.
The highly scrutinized prospect has already committed to playing college ice hockey at Boston University for the upcoming season to continue his development.
Speaking at Friday’s Draft, the 18-year-old Malhotra spoke about his memories of watching the Canucks with his dad when he was younger.
‘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.
‘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.’
