The NHL coaching carousel has started early this season. Two coaches have already been fired, with other vacancies expected to open up once the campaign is over. One of the projected openings is the Toronto Maple Leafs, as speculation continues to grow around Craig Berube [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/maple-leafs-coach-craig-berube-is-probably-next-on-the-chopping-block]. If the Maple Leafs [http://thn.com/toronto] do make a change this off-season, insiders have listed [https://x.com/DailyFaceoff/status/2040099637965529163] current Abbotsford Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra as a potential fit. The 45-year-old has already left the Canucks organization once to join Toronto, as he was an Assistant Coach with the Leafs before arriving in Abbotsford last season. Even if Toronto goes in a different direction, the chances of Malhotra returning to the AHL [http://thn.com/ahl] with the Canucks next season seem to be shrinking as the weeks go by. Sticking with the Leafs, the chance that Malhotra becomes the next coach arguably increases if Toronto hires Mike Gillis [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-mike-gillis-intrigued-by-opportunity-to-retool-maple-leafs] as its new GM or President of Hockey Operations. Gillis has some familiarity with Malhotra, as he was the Canucks GM when Malhotra signed in Vancouver. During their three seasons together, the Canucks won back-to-back Presidents' Trophies while Malhotra finished top-five in Selke Trophy voting during the 2010-11 season. Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra watches his team from the bench during the first period of their game at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/329be0fb-e088-4e55-aee3-72b5c1de9230.jpeg] Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra watches his team from the bench during the first period of their game at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) If Vancouver wants to ensure that Malhotra sticks with the organization, one way to do that is to promote him. The only problem is that ownership may not be interested in that direction, as it would mean firing Adam Foote and paying two coaches for the next two years. In the end, though, it may be the best option, as if not, Malhotra could be with a new team at the start of the 2026-27 season. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwr-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks]. Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/]: Canucks Provide Update On The Status Of Filip Chytil For 2025-26 Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-provide-update-on-the-status-of-filip-chytil-for-2025-26-season] Canucks Prospect Riley Patterson On His Way To The AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-prospect-riley-patterson-on-his-way-to-the-ahl] 3 Canucks Prospects Advance To The Second Round Of The 2026 CHL Playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/3-canucks-prospects-advance-to-the-second-round-of-the-2026-chl-playoffs] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*if85lf*_ga*MjAzNzYwNzU2Ny4xNzczNDI1NzEw*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NzM0MjU3MDkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzM0MzA3MDIkajYwJGwwJGgw]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fabb563c-74c6-48c9-b874-cd57cb37f105.jpeg] The Hockey News
