The draft also featured notable movements from other franchises, including San Jose trading up to the 21st pick to acquire defenseman Ryan Lin, whose defensive capabilities have drawn high praise from coaching staff.
"He's like a Drew Doughty," said Coach Patrick Burgess.
Burgess elaborated on Lin's rare ability to dominate defensively while maintaining elite skating and puck skills as a young prospect.
"He actually impacts the game even more defensively than offensively. And how many 17-year-old kids who are 'offensive defencemen,' are also one of the best defenders?
I think the things that pop off to you when you first watch him are the skating, the puck skills, the smoothness with how he does things.
What's undervalued in his game is his ability to defend, with the way he can close with his feet, his stick details, his willingness to be physical," said Burgess.
Reflecting on his selection, Malhotra also mentioned his choice of walk-up music, noting its connection to his previous team, the Brantford Bulldogs.
"I wanted to hear it one more time," said Caleb Malhotra.
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Malhotra, who is committed to playing at Boston University next season, enters an organization where his father previously played as a defensive specialist and fan favorite.
