Manny Malhotra Named Head Coach Of The Abbotsford Canucks
Manny Malhotra rejoins the Vancouver Canucks organization after spending the last four years with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Photo by Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports - Manny Malhotra Named Head Coach Of The Abbotsford CanucksThe Abbotsford Canucks have found their new head coach. On Friday, the organization announced that Manny Malhotra has been named the third head coach in franchise history. Malhotra takes over from Jeremy Colliton, who had been behind the bench in Abbotsford for the last two seasons.
Malhotra started his coaching career with the Vancouver Canucks in 2016 as a development coach. He then spent three seasons with the organization behind the bench as an assistant coach before moving to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020. Malhotra has spent the last four seasons with the Maple Leafs as an assistant coach, helping Toronto qualify for the postseason each year.
In a statement, Abbotsford Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson wrote, "First of all, I would like to thank Jeremy Colliton and Gary Agnew for the work they did for us in Abbotsford. Having played against Manny in the NHL, I know firsthand many of the great qualities he possesses and the competitiveness in his DNA. He is a teacher first and his skillset and mindset will fit in perfectly with our vision for the team in Abbotsford."
As for Malhotra, he wrote, "Being able to return to the Vancouver Canucks organization is an incredible opportunity for both me and my family. Getting the chance to help develop the next wave of young talent is an honour and a privilege. We have a lot of good prospects in the group, and I can't wait to get started on the ice. I would like to thank the Toronto Maple Leafs as well for providing me the opportunity to work with them the past four years."
Malhotra brings plenty of experience that should help the younger players in the organization. He spent 16 seasons in the NHL, including three with the Canucks and played a key role during the 2011 playoffs. A master in the faceoff dot, his experience as a player and assistant coach should help him thrive in his first opportunity as an AHL head coach.
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