Prospect Info: The 2026 NHL Draft First Round Thread - Part 5

[LickTheEnvelope]

Not surprising at all. Teams just dont value undersized wingers. Theres not a single franchise undersized winger besides Kucherov in the league. (I dont count Kaprizov as hes 200 lbs lol). The entire point of taking a guy like McKenna is you think he has that potential. Well, Stenberg doesnt, so why value him over the C/Ds?


We have 100 + point complete wingers (Rantanen + Robertson) being available for trade.


Its to the point where Malhotra is actually the higher upside swing here, because if you can find a 70 point two way #1C, thats more valuable than anything Stenberg can become. That and his character, family and overall locker room impact is significantly more valuable. Teams do value that when they are selecting a core player. Its like hiring one of your top employees for the company, you care about the person first and foremost.

*sigh* already showed how top wingers arent almost ever traded and nearly every playoff team had a 2nd line center they traded for.

 

[Michael Dal Swolle]

Aside from novelty, how are people evaluating the Ruck twins here?

They have good offensive and defensive IQ. Good motors. There's an NHL floor there, but the concern is size, speed and athleticism. In contrast, Preston, whom the Canucks seem to favour, has the speed and athleticism they lack, but has an inconsistent motor, prefers perimeter play, and is questionable defensively.

Preston (and Hurlbert) also likes to hold onto pucks and attack, while the Rucks are fine make quick short plays. They get the whole team involved. They're smarter imo.

That said, their numbers are bolstered due to their chemistry and a weakened WHL talent pool. It kind of reminds me of Gabe Perrault, who hasn't yet translated like I thought he would. Those are my concerns. But at #24 and #33, they still make sense in those spots for me.

I did an in depth post on them in part 4 of this thread but I wasn't that impressed with their motors, and thought they were perimeter players whose statistical output was juiced by being on a very good team and particular a star studded powerplay. Nice puck skills and vision but no physicality or board play from what I saw and it's hard for me to see them succeeding on the same line in the NHL. I think they'll play in the league but I think theres a huge risk you just get a couple of Nic Petans if you draft them both.

 

[Diversification]

...

Also, the worry isnt necessarily on the two individuals involved. Its more on the optics from the rest of the locker room. How other players will feel.

To me, this is the main risk with drafting Caleb. You want to build a healthy locker room dynamic, right? Then why introduce this dynamic?

Manny could be playing it completely straight down the line, as fair as can be. But will it be perceived that way by Caleb's teammates if they feel they deserve more minutes or more opportunities on the power play?

Will Manny have to go out of his way to punish his son to make it clear to the rest of the room that he isn't playing favorites. With the draft being as flat as it is, why ask father and son to twist themselves into knots when there are other options out there?

 

[Gekj]

The only problem with taking a defenceman especially if there's an equal forward available is you have less flexibility in future drafts. You still need a bunch of forwards but now your defence is pretty full and if you end up drafting another one in next years draft because they're clearly BPA you're now trying to sell off someone from a position of weakness. Good young D still likely retain a lot of value but you're also at the whim of the market and the teams that are willing to make a trade and what assets they have available.

I also think it's possible to get 2nd pairing LHD in trades when you're trying to contend which makes Carels a little bit less attractive at pick #3 unless he becomes a top pairing guy. The same can't be said for RHD which is much harder.

 

[credulous]

Well said, been waiting for someone to call Robinson out like this. He’s a grifter IMO, and some here have been shooting his koolaid like tequila shots at a one week all inclusive in Puerto Vallarta, no questions asked.

he's just telling fanbases what they want to hear to keep getting radio hits. i think he knows a few scouts but he's not nearly as connected as he portrays

 

[quat]

Still pretty sure it’s going

McKenna
Reid
Stenberg





Who told ya that EP40 was going to have strength issues at the NHL level well before any of you knew who he even was.

Who put Nolan Patrick #1 on his draft list with a DND because I knew he’d be out of the game within a year or two

Who told all of you in December that Quinn Hughes was our target and he was going to drop straight into our laps because nobody was going to draft a 5’9 defenceman.

Who told ya about Cale Makar, Noah Dobson, Moritz Seider, Dylan Guenther & Matt Boldy.

Who told ya about Frank

I love it!
Now do all the stuff you were wrong about.

I kid, I kid. That's a pretty impressive hit rate though.

 

[CanaFan]

.

he's just telling fanbases what they want to hear to keep getting radio hits. i think he knows a few scouts but he's not nearly as connected as he portrays

So he’s telling Vancouver fans that the Canucks like Malhotra because the majority of them … want the Canucks to draft Malhotra???

Because based on social media chatter, 95% of fans want us to draft Stenberg.

Make it make sense please.

 

[ginner classic]

7oa is too low

Then you don't guarantee one

McKenna
Stenberg
Malhotra
Reid
Carels
Bjork

Leaving this draft with like a Verhoeff or Smits is a bust. We don't need more late 1sts or 2nds. We need a core piece.

28 overall is useless in this kind of draft. Theres no difference to me from 28 and 68.

I don't want 7 either. 4, 5 or 6 have very clean draft pick trades available. Bjorck + 2 2nds from Calgary > Malhotra. Calagary has enough picks to win any bidding war. Chicago's high 2nds are interesting too.

 

[VanJack]

To me, this is the main risk with drafting Caleb. You want to build a healthy locker room dynamic, right? Then why introduce this dynamic?

Manny could be playing it completely straight down the line, as fair as can be. But will it be perceived that way by Caleb's teammates if they feel they deserve more minutes or more opportunities on the power play?

Will Manny have to go out of his way to punish his son to make it clear to the rest of the room that he isn't playing favorites. With the draft being as flat as it is, why ask father and son to twist themselves into knots when there are other options out there?

Posters do understand, that Caleb Malhotra is almost guaranteed to play two full seasons in the NCAA. And it's possible he might need another season in Abbotsford before he's close to NHL-ready.

Will Manny Malhotra still be coaching the Vancouver in three seasons? It's possible, I guess. But at the rate NHL coaches are hired and fired--it could also be doubtful.

 

[Lindgren]

Posters do understand, that Caleb Malhotra is almost guaranteed to play two full seasons in the NCAA. And it's possible he might need another season in Abbotsford before he's close to NHL-ready.

Will Manny Malhotra still be coaching the Vancouver in three seasons? It's possible, I guess. But at the rate NHL coaches are hired and fired--it could also be doubtful.

Do you genuinely think that this is news?

 

[ginner classic]

Posters do understand, that Caleb Malhotra is almost guaranteed to play two full seasons in the NCAA. And it's possible he might need another season in Abbotsford before he's close to NHL-ready.

Will Manny Malhotra still be coaching the Vancouver in three seasons? It's possible, I guess. But at the rate NHL coaches are hired and fired--it could also be doubtful.

While it's born in realism, the idea of taking the kid because the Dad you just hired will probably be fired first is a bit odd no? So Caleb would be joining the team that fired his Dad after 2-3 seasons?

If we can avoid this weirdness we should. Trade down. Let both these guys start the next phase in their hockey careers without this very Canuckian drama.

 

[VanJack]

Do you genuinely think that this is news?

Check these Boards my friend. There are sill a ton of people who truly believe that drafting Manny's son Caleb would be a huge mistake. Despite the inevitability that their tenure as coach and player are unlikely to ever line up.

If you're truly one of the few posters who've figured this out without any prompting. Then an HF Boards gold star to you.

 

[Lindgren]

Check these Boards my friend. There are sill a ton of people who truly believe that drafting Manny's son Caleb would be a huge mistake. Despite the inevitability that their tenure as coach and player are unlikely to ever line up.

If you're truly one of the few posters who've figured this out without any prompting. Then an HF Boards gold star to you.

Lots think drafting Caleb would be a bad idea. Find a post that suggests that they think that he'll join the team next season or the season after.

Just stop beginning posts with "Everybody thinks," Nobody understands," "Most posters just don't get," etc. etc. you'll be doing yourself a favour.

You'll note that I've liked lots of your posts. I don't have it in for you. I'm offering help, and you should take it.

 

[Mike Pecarino]

Should we start a pool on the month and year when “Manny Gets Fired”? Sounds like it’s going to happen before Caleb sets foot in the dressing room.

 

[Gekj]

My gut feeling currently is they'll take Stenberg if he's available. We know they like Stenberg/Reid/Malhotra but we've heard so much about Malhotra and Reid and very little about Stenberg from the media. The increase in recent attention on Reid could be to dissuade SJ from trading down if he's their guy. The father/son is probably something they'd prefer to avoid but if they really want a forward in this draft Caleb may be the only other option in their opinion at #3.

 

[lawrence]

If we draft Caleb boy ole boy the stories we have to look forward to regarding Cootes and Caleb and is dad favouring Caleb over Cootes? But more importantly how will Cootes deal with it, if Caleb is getting more rope from Dad? Very interesting.

it will be completely normal if Caleb ends up with more ice time than Cootes. Caleb is a 3rd overall pick. Not even in the same tier.

 

[Diversification]

Posters do understand, that Caleb Malhotra is almost guaranteed to play two full seasons in the NCAA. And it's possible he might need another season in Abbotsford before he's close to NHL-ready.

Will Manny Malhotra still be coaching the Vancouver in three seasons? It's possible, I guess. But at the rate NHL coaches are hired and fired--it could also be doubtful.

What kind of 5 dimensional chess is this line of thinking? How can you count on any of those things happening?

Let's start with your third supposition: Manny gets fired within 3 years. Counter point: as the coach of a team where management is fully aware that we are bottoming out, is it reasonable to assume that our record will force Manny to walk the plank? Or is it just as likely that he skates on our record provided our younger players develop well under him?

Now let's look at your first supposition: Caleb Malhotra will play 2 seasons at BU. This is based on??? Let's look at a recent 3OA center, Adam Fantilli. He played... let's see: 1 season at U Michigan.

Now to your 2nd supposition: Caleb Malhotra will then need to play a season in Abby. Just like Willander did? Just like Fantilli did in the AHL?

More likely than not, father and son will cross paths sooner rather than later. To plan for otherwise is... bizarre. I would hesitate to call it wishful thinking. More like being too clever by half.

 

[lawrence]

What kind of 5 dimensional chess is this line of thinking? How can you count on any of those things happening?

Let's start with your third supposition: Manny gets fired within 3 years. Counter point: as the coach of a team where management is fully aware that we are bottoming out, is it reasonable to assume that our record will force Manny to walk the plank? Or is it just as likely that he skates on our record provided our younger players develop well under him?

Now let's look at your first supposition: Caleb Malhotra will play 2 seasons at BU. This is based on??? Let's look at a recent 3OA center, Adam Fantilli. He played... let's see: 1 season at U Michigan.

Now to your 2nd supposition: Caleb Malhotra will then need to play a season in Abby. Just like Willander did? Just like Fantilli did in the AHL?

More likely than not, father and son will cross paths sooner rather than later. To plan for otherwise is... bizarre. I would hesitate to call it wishful thinking. More like being too clever by half.

The 2 year in college thing started by one user here and we suddenly taking it as gospel.

 

[thecupismine]

I’m kinda scared that Harvey is still going to focus on low ceiling players instead of trying to hit home runs. Hope I’m wrong

Vancouver has some of the best hit rates in the third round and later in the league since Harvey came in.

I agree that I don’t like their philosophy for drafting forwards, particularly after the 1st (Kieren last year was a big ????), but in general the team has done a great job mining value outside of the first 2 rounds.

This year will tell us a lot more about how they value earlier round picks, as they have as many picks in the first 2 rounds this year as they had from 2022-2025.

 

[Canucks LB]

Craig conroy had a really good hr interview on flames podcast.
Not sure if he is a great actor or not, but they def going Defense over viggo.
If we move up, would be a good target, but i don't think he gets by florida

 

[Icebreakers]

*sigh* already showed how top wingers arent almost ever traded and nearly every playoff team had a 2nd line center they traded for.

Lol like who?

Stankoven? Only cost Rantanen which is a franchise winger.

Vegas - Brett Howden is not a #2 you aren't winning unless if you have a stacked team.

Montreal - doesn't have a #2 C , Evans/danault are both 3/4Cs.

Colorado - Nelson and Kadri are both over 35 years old

Its extremely rare to get a top C in their prime through trade.

 

[F A N]

Cam stated something similar in his FloHockey mock. Something about sensing both sides were 'queezy' or awkward around each other. Caleb wasn't available for interview either, like the other prospects were to them.

Who are the two sides who were queezy or awkward around each other?

 

[David71]

this is who i'd pick at number 3.

 

[Quinton Byfield]

We don’t know if he actually has any really character issues. That’s almost entirely speculation based on him being American, and apparently, a republican. But sure, no disagreement that they should assess that.

I've only ever read or heard Reid described as a high character person, a diligent hard working player. Of course, the MAGA stuff, to me personally is a big character flaw, but anyone that knows that the algos are like, it's almost inevitable for someone of his age to fall into that deluge...and then some.

He gave an interview where he describes himself as very competitive, but also very trustworthy, which I thought was very interesting.

His mom says that he's a very active person, always likes to be doing something and move; I can't see that type of person not having a good work ethic. She also says that he's got the biggest heart, and brings joy to everyone's lives, a big people person. The anti-Quinn/Pete if you will.

The Reid's apparently don't come from big money. His mom is a retired competitive dancer and teaches dance and an insurance agent. His dad works for a transportation company.

Maybe it's all a subterfuge from being labelled MAGA, but there's articles from last year as well that say similar things. He's described as a "large empath" and never wants to let anyone down. The "busiest person in the world". "Hardest worker". Despite being a late birthday and a bit old for the draft, he went from sub-6' to 6'2-3' in the last 2 years. Has only played the position for about 7-8 yrs as a converted forward.

There could be a steeper growth curve vs others that we'll take advantage of if we pick him at 3rd.

 

[DFAC]

What kind of 5 dimensional chess is this line of thinking? How can you count on any of those things happening?

Let's start with your third supposition: Manny gets fired within 3 years. Counter point: as the coach of a team where management is fully aware that we are bottoming out, is it reasonable to assume that our record will force Manny to walk the plank? Or is it just as likely that he skates on our record provided our younger players develop well under him?

Now let's look at your first supposition: Caleb Malhotra will play 2 seasons at BU. This is based on??? Let's look at a recent 3OA center, Adam Fantilli. He played... let's see: 1 season at U Michigan.

Now to your 2nd supposition: Caleb Malhotra will then need to play a season in Abby. Just like Willander did? Just like Fantilli did in the AHL?

More likely than not, father and son will cross paths sooner rather than later. To plan for otherwise is... bizarre. I would hesitate to call it wishful thinking. More like being too clever by half.

For Caleb's sake I hope we don't draft him. The kid doesn't need that unnecessary drama when he's just starting out his pro career. He's much better off going to Chicago or Calgary without all the added pressures.