Ryan Johnson knew when he hired Manny Malhotra to run the AHL bench in Abbotsford that the coach would eventually take an NHL head‑coaching role.
The answer is Vancouver, and the time is now. Malhotra officially became the 23rd head coach in Canucks franchise history on Monday, succeeding Adam Foote and inheriting a long‑term roster rebuild. The appointment reflects a clear commitment from ownership and co‑presidents of hockey operations Henrik and Daniel Sedin.
“He wants to be an NHL coach and we discussed his path—it was an open conversation,” Johnson told reporters. “I go through a thorough hiring process, and I hope they become the next whatever.”
“I tell people that if they’re still here after eight years I’ve done something wrong. They want to elevate, but that may not be here.”
Malhotra was always the front‑runner, and his alignment with Johnson—now promoted to Canucks GM—remains strong. He proved his mettle by guiding Abbotsford to the Calder Cup championship in 2025 during his first season as head coach.
The Dallas Stars showed interest in Malhotra before bringing Glen Gulutzan back to the bench, and the Toronto Maple Leafs also explored the possibility of hiring him.
Malhotra was a finalist to replace Rick Tocchet before the Canucks promoted Foote to rookie head‑coach status.
“I have to give Manny a lot of credit,” Johnson added. “He has playing and coaching experience at the NHL level, but the AHL is a different animal. He adapted very quickly. One of the biggest challenges when you have inconsistency is consistency.”
Balancing player development with the demand for wins is a constant struggle. Malhotra helped seven prospects expected to join the Canucks next season elevate their execution and confidence.
At 46, Malhotra brings a gritty playing background—991 NHL games, including 159 with Vancouver—and extensive development experience from his time as an assistant coach with both the Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Canucks face a daunting task. The club finished the season allowing the most goals, posting the league‑worst penalty kill, and scoring the second‑fewest goals. An 11‑game losing streak and a 9‑27‑5 home record prompted ownership to accelerate the rebuild, giving fans renewed hope.
More to come …
Contact: bkuzma@postmedia.com
Also Read
- Callaway’s Heartfelt Father’s Day Ad Captures Golf’s Essence Through Real Family Moments
- Dax Harwood explains FTR’s absence from AEW
- Is Lamine Yamal playing? Spain vs Saudi Arabia confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup match
- England Nears England Comeback: Stokes and Atkinson Poised for Return Ahead of Crucial Test