The Vancouver Canucks are planning to draft “the best player available” at third overall later this month — even if that player is related to their head coach.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson discussed the conversations he and newly appointed head coach Manny Malhotra have had regarding the possibility of his son, Caleb, being selected by the organization.
The 18-year-old recorded 84 points (29 goals and 55 assists) in 67 games for the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs this past season, then added 26 points (13 goals and 13 assists) in 15 playoff games.
Johnson confirmed there is a possibility that Vancouver drafts Caleb, but “at what per cent, I can’t tell you.”
Either way, the GM said he wanted to ensure the elder Malhotra had complete clarity on the situation before accepting the Canucks’ head coaching role.
“I wanted to make sure that he had time to talk with his wife and with his family, understanding that that would be a possible scenario, and that there was no hesitation on him moving forward and taking this position. I felt that … I owed him that, to have that conversation.”
Johnson also added that the Canucks will continue to weigh their options ahead of the draft in Buffalo, scheduled for June 26 and 27, and that the combine, interviews and meetings with their amateur staff will all influence their decision.
What they do know for sure now is that there’s “not going to be an outside influence changing” who they want to bring in with their highest pick since the Sedins were selected second and third overall in 1999.
