The Vancouver Canucks announced Monday that Manny Malhotra will serve as their new head coach, taking over from Bruce Foote after a season that saw the franchise finish last in the NHL standings.
Malhotra, an 18‑year NHL veteran who played three seasons with the Canucks from 2011 to 2014, returns to the organization after stints as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a development coach with the Canucks, and most recently as head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks, a team he guided to a Calder Cup championship.
Leadership and Vision
General manager Ryan Johnson praised Malhotra’s teaching ability, leadership and personal qualities, saying the hire reflects a commitment to continuity and growth within the club.
The new contract, signed on September 16, 2025, binds Malhotra to the AHL affiliate through the 2026‑27 season, a move that signals the front office’s confidence in his long‑term vision.
The Canucks’ campaign was marked by a 25‑49‑8 record, a league‑worst minus‑100 goal differential and a penalty kill that ranked dead last at 71.5 percent. The team will now hold the third overall selection in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft.
A series of deadline moves saw captain Quinn Hughes traded to the Minnesota Wild, while forwards Kiefer Sherwood and Conor Garland and defenseman Tyler Myers were exchanged for draft assets and prospects, reshaping the roster ahead of the draft.
With the draft approaching, the front office is expected to leverage the high pick alongside the new coaching staff to accelerate a rebuild that aims to return the club to playoff contention.