3 ways the Canucks trade the 3rd overall pick

In today’s Locked On Canucks episode, we dive into one of the strangest and most fascinating storylines surrounding the 2026 NHL Draft: what happens if Caleb Malhotra really is the best player available at 3rd overall… while the Canucks are also considering hiring his father, Manny Malhotra?   Because suddenly, this isn’t just about scouting anymore. Caleb Malhotra’s stock has exploded over the last few months, with many draft analysts now viewing him as a legitimate top-3 talent and potentially the best center in the draft class. His playoff run, two-way game, leadership qualities, and hockey IQ have pushed him into elite territory.   But if Vancouver hires Manny behind the bench or into a major organizational role… does drafting Caleb become too messy politically and publicly?   That’s where the debate gets real.   Do the Canucks simply take the best player available and ignore the outside noise? Or do they consider trading the 3rd overall pick entirely to avoid years of “nepotism” talk surrounding both father and son?   👇 IN THIS VIDEO:   ✔ Why Caleb Malhotra’s rise is changing the Canucks’ draft conversation ✔ The growing speculation around Manny Malhotra joining Vancouver ✔ Why the optics of hiring the father and drafting the son could become complicated ✔ Should the Canucks consider trading the 3rd overall pick? ✔ Best player available vs organizational perception   📈 KEY SEARCH TERMS:   Canucks 3rd overall pick Caleb Malhotra Canucks Manny Malhotra Canucks Canucks NHL Draft rumors Canucks trade 3rd overall pick Vancouver Canucks future   The hardest part about this situation? Caleb may genuinely deserve to be the pick. That’s what makes the conversation so difficult. Because once hockey decisions start blending with optics and perception, things can get complicated fast in a market like Vancouver.   Kyle's dropping a children's book: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLECDZHQF0HD0/checkout/XVCNKBGDMN6NOKN7H6OSISRI   Trevor wants to help you plan and grow your wealth: https://www.vallorawealth.com/   Join Kyle's Discord: https://discord.gg/am9vJJPqej≈   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.   Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.   Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.   FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.