Columbus Blue Jackets’ Draft Day Focus: Caleb Malhotra Shines Bright

The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for the upcoming NHL Draft, where they will once again hold the 14th overall pick, having narrowly missed out on the lottery for the second consecutive year. As anticipation builds, the excitement around potential targets intensifies, particularly as fans speculate who might fall into their hands or if the team will choose to reach for a player projected lower in the rankings.

One name that has emerged as a prominent target for the Blue Jackets is Caleb Malhotra. Standing at 6 feet 1.75 inches and weighing 185 pounds, the left-shot forward has made a significant impact on the ice this season while playing for the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL. In the 2025-26 season, Malhotra amassed an impressive 84 points in just 67 games, and his performance in the playoffs was equally noteworthy, contributing 26 points in 15 games.

Caleb comes from an NHL lineage, being the son of former player Manny Malhotra, and he seems to be following in his father’s footsteps. Scouts have taken notice of his well-rounded game, recognizing his capability to excel on both ends of the ice. As noted by DobberProspects, “Caleb Malhotra has NHL bloodlines; he is showing that the apple does not fall far from the tree.” His high-energy offensive play, combined with solid defensive skills, positions him as a high-end two-way center who is poised to hear his name called early in the 2026 NHL Draft.

As the Blue Jackets prepare for the draft on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, all eyes will be on Malhotra and other potential targets as they look to build a brighter future. The excitement of draft speculation season continues to fuel discussions among fans and analysts alike, and the Blue Jackets are certainly in the mix for some promising talent.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.