Caleb Malhotra was enjoying a final night of camaraderie with his Brantford Bulldogs teammates following a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the Ontario Hockey League Eastern Conference final when the NHL draft lottery appeared on the television screens.
"It was on in the background," the 6-foot-2, 182-pound centre said. "We were in a restaurant just hanging out one last time before everybody went home. I didn't pay that much attention to it. Just saw the results after and it was pretty crazy. I was getting texts from different people asking, 'Where do you think you're going to go? What do you think about what happened?' And, like, I don't know, honestly. It was pretty hectic. It was cool to be able to watch it with my teammates."
Rising Draft prospect
Malhotra is one of the biggest risers in this year's draft class and is projected to be the first centre selected. TSN director of scouting Craig Button has Malhotra going to the Vancouver Canucks third overall in his latest mock draft.
Malhotra's dad, Manny, played for the Canucks from 2010 to 2013 and currently serves as the head coach of the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Abbotsford, B.C.
"Obviously, I've thought about it," the 17-year-old said. "Growing up in Vancouver, going back home would be really cool. That's the team I've cheered for most of my life. And then my dad being a part of that organization, it would be interesting. It's a weird feeling. It's pretty cool, though. But, I mean, there's a long way to go, so we'll see what happens on draft night."
Career progression
After posting 26 points in 44 games with the Chilliwack Chiefs in the BCHL last season, Malhotra made the jump to the OHL this year and produced 84 points in 67 games with the Bulldogs.
Q&A: Interview with Caleb Malhotra
TSN: You mentioned it would be "interesting" to be in the same organization as your dad. What do you think that would be like?
Caleb Malhotra: I don't know, to be honest with you. I haven't had him coach me since I was probably 12 years old. Taking orders from your dad as a coach is different than taking orders from a coach. And obviously it'd be fine. I'd be able to adjust, but it'd just be different. I don't know if it's really happened before with someone being coached by their dad, so I don't know what'll happen. But if that does happen, it'll be pretty cool. Pretty weird, though.
TSN: Your dad went seventh overall in the 1998 draft. Are bragging rights on the line if you go earlier than he did?
Caleb Malhotra: Definitely. I think he's rooting for me to go higher, but I'm still going to rub it in (smile) if I do.
TSN: What's the best advice your dad's given you about the draft season?
Caleb Malhotra: Taking it one day at a time. I know it's kind of basic advice, but it really helps. Just taking it one day, one shift, one rep at a time and just narrowing everything down in one day to specific parts of my day. That really helped me not get too big picture and really be able to focus on my day to day and each game and how I wanted to perform. It really helped me throughout this year not getting overwhelmed or anything.
TSN: How does your game compare to your dad's? How are you different? How are you similar?
Caleb Malhotra: The defensive responsibility is kind of one [similar] thing. He was really well-known for with his faceoffs and defence. So, being positionally sound and positionally smart and then being able to check guys and be physical when needed. I think my offence is a bit higher than his and I let him know that too (laugh) just fooling around the house. But, yeah, I think my offence kind of separates me.