- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Canucks are in active contract talks with Manny Malhotra to be their next head coach
- Friedman said he has “no doubt” the two sides are negotiating and a decision could come in days
- Read below for the full Friedman video clip, Ryan Johnson’s pitch on Malhotra, and how the search has shaken out
It looks like the Vancouver Canucks have found their guy.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that Manny Malhotra is in contract negotiations with the Canucks to become the team’s next head coach, with a decision expected within days. Friedman dropped the update on CHEK’s Donnie and Dhali, and he didn’t leave much wiggle room.
Friedman was asked where things stand with the search to replace Adam Foote.
“I think they’re working through it right now. I think they’re talking to him,” Friedman said. “I think there’s a chance we’ll know in the next few days. I have no doubt they are negotiating with him. They’re trying to see if they can close it.”
Watch the full Friedman video on Malhotra and the Canucks below:
Vancouver fired Foote last week after one season behind the bench and the worst record in the NHL. New general manager Ryan Johnson didn’t waste any time hiding his interest in Malhotra, calling him an internal candidate he couldn’t ignore.
“Manny has shown his ability to develop young players, to build a connection, and obviously win a championship with a very young group,” Johnson said.
Malhotra has been coaching the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks for the past two seasons. In his first year behind the bench, he led the franchise to its first Calder Cup championship in 2025.
The 46-year-old has deep roots in the organization. He played for Vancouver from 2010 to 2012, then joined the coaching staff in a development role after retiring.
He worked his way up to assistant coach from 2017 to 2020, spent time on Sheldon Keefe’s Maple Leafs staff, and landed the Abbotsford head job in 2024.
If Vancouver lands him, Malhotra would become the 23rd head coach in franchise history and the fifth since 2021.
Co-presidents Daniel and Henrik Sedin get the call on their old teammate.
