Caleb Malhotra is moving on from the BCHL's Chilliwack Chiefs and has signed a standard player agreement with the Ontario Hockey League's Brantford Bulldogs.
Malhotra, who turned 17 on June 2, signed as a 15-year-old with the Chiefs in April 2024.
He recorded 26 points in 44 games during his rookie season with Chilliwack and blossomed in the BCHL playoffs with 17 points in 21 games. Malhotra and the Chiefs advanced to the Fred Page Cup, but were eliminated in six games by the Brooks Bandits.
The centre was initially drafted eighth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2024 OHL Draft, but opted to enter the BCHL to retain his NCAA availability. However, an NCAA ruling in November allowed major junior players (like those in the OHL) to retain NCAA eligibility as long as they are not paid more than actual and necessary expenses as part of that participation.
Brantford acquired Malhotra's OHL rights in a trade on Sept. 12, 2024.
Meet Caleb Malhotra 鈥硷笍
鈥� Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL)
Caleb Malhotra brings an advanced 200-foot game with tremendous offensive skill. Coming off a 17-point performance in 21 playoff games to help lead Chilliwack to a BCHL Coastal Conference Championship. |
"I want to play the best competition and play against the best players I can right now," Malhotra stated in a video posted by Brantford on social media. "So this is where I need to be and I'm so happy to be a part of this team. I want to win with this organization and make this organization better."
Bulldogs general manager Spencer Hyman stated that he is thrilled to add Malhotra.
"We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Caleb Malhotra to the Bulldogs family," he said. "He's a dynamic talent with elite skill, character and drive. The type of player you build around. This is a huge day for our organization."
Prior to his time in Chilliwack he starred for the Vaughan Kings program including standout performances at the U14, U15 & U16 levels, winning the Greater Toronto Hockey League with his U14 team in 2021-22 and his U16 team in 2023-24 as well as an OHL Cup Silver medal.
He is the son of Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, who has had an excellent first year as a bench boss in the AHL.
