Canucks promote – Vancouver named Manny Malhotra as its new head coach on June 1, nearly two weeks after firing Adam Foote. The move brings a coach known for developing young players into a rebuilding environment that finished last in the NHL by 14 points.
Vancouver fans were still watching the aftermath of an abrupt coaching shake-up when the team made its next move official late Monday, June 1: Manny Malhotra was hired as the Canucks’ newest coach.
The announcement landed nearly two weeks after Vancouver fired coach Adam Foote. At the time, general manager Ryan Johnson said he would speak with Malhotra and discuss the future. On Monday, that future arrived.
Johnson promoted Malhotra from the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Canucks to the NHL role as Vancouver tries to set a new tone for a rebuilding squad. In the announcement. Johnson said. “Manny and I have been in the battle together before. so I know firsthand what a good teacher. leader and quality person he is.” He added. “Connection. consistency and putting in place the proper foundation will be key for our group moving forward.”.
Malhotra, a former longtime NHL center, is also returning to a familiar environment. Johnson played two seasons with the Canucks from 2008 to 2010, and Malhotra’s history with the organization runs deep.
As a player, Malhotra finished his NHL career with 991 games played, 116 goals, 179 assists and 295 points. His career faceoff percentage was 56.4%, and he averaged 13:03 of ice time.
Now, at age 46, he inherits a team that has been struggling to find traction. Vancouver finished last by 14 points, and Johnson has signaled that the franchise intends to take as long as needed to rebuild.
Malhotra’s reputation has been built around developing young players and connecting with the group. Johnson leaned on that track record in his remarks. saying. “Manny is a great coach who has the right skill set and mentality to help players develop and get better each day.” He and Malhotra also share a message about pressure: “We both believe that pressure is a privilege. and learning to become a good pro takes patience. dedication and a ‘be better than yesterday’ mindset.”.
The Canucks’ decision also reflects a familiar coaching pathway. Malhotra started out as a development coach with the Canucks in 2016-17 after his playing career ended the season before. He then spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Canucks.
From 2020-21 to 2023-24, Malhotra worked for the Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach, before rejoining the Canucks organization as coach of the AHL Abbotsford team. Johnson was the GM of the affiliate at the time.
In 2024-25, his first season with the new club, Malhotra led Abbotsford to its first-ever Calder Cup. He also coached players who appeared in the NHL this season, including Aatu Raty, Linus Karlsson, Max Sasson, Victor Mancini and defenseman Elias Pettersson.
Even with that kind of success, the Canucks kept Malhotra in the AHL for one more year after promoting Adam Foote from assistant coach to head coach for the 2025-26 season. That choice kept Malhotra in the Abbotsford role even as the organization reshaped its coaching staff.
The result is a clear turning point now: Malhotra gets his first NHL head coaching job. stepping into a group that has dealt with “dressing room drama. injuries and a fall from the top of the Pacific Division to the league basement. ” according to the framing Johnson used around the team’s recent adversity.
The rebuilding plan also comes with a cultural emphasis that Johnson has been building since he was named general manager. After Daniel and Henrik Sedin named him the Canucks’ newest GM on May 14. Johnson said the challenge for players was to be the best quality of teammates they could be for each other. He described a set of “non-negotiables” tied to how players act as professionals and teammates. how they approach each day. and how they create a plan.
Malhotra’s new role, Johnson said, is to help ensure those non-negotiables are being met. “He loves the game and getting to know what makes his players tick. and I am very confident Manny will help us ice a competitive and hard-working team that our fans will be proud of moving forward. ” Johnson said.
For the Canucks. the change comes with more than a coaching title—it arrives at the point where development success in the AHL meets the pressure of an NHL season that has already fallen short. This time, the person who helped deliver Abbotsford’s first Calder Cup is no longer waiting in the wings. He is at the center of the next chapter for Vancouver’s rebuild.
Vancouver Canucks Manny Malhotra Adam Foote Ryan Johnson Abbotsford Canucks Calder Cup NHL coaching hire Elias Pettersson Aatu Raty Linus Karlsson Max Sasson Victor Mancini