Just a few months after guiding the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup win, head coach Manny Malhotra has been extended by the Canucks organization.
The club announced on Tuesday (Sept. 16) that the option season on Malhotra's contract has been picked up and he will remain in the organization until the end of the 2026-27 season. His original deal signed in 2024 was for two years plus that aforementioned option.
“Since joining our organization, Manny has done a great job teaching, communicating with, and developing our players in the American Hockey League,” stated Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin. “His work ethic, passion, and partnership with our NHL staff was a big reason why our group in Abbotsford won a Calder Cup, and why the players we called up to Vancouver during the season fit into our system so well. We are extremely happy to have Manny extend his time with the hockey club.”
Malhotra led Abbotsford to the franchise's best-ever regular season record in his rookie season in 2024-25 at 44-24-2-2 and then was steering the ship during the team's memorable Calder Cup title run that ended with a 3-2 win over the Charlotte Checkers inside the iconic Bojangles Coliseum on June 23.
Abbotsford Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson had high praise for his coach during the team's Calder Cup championship celebration inside the Abbtosford Centre on June 26.
"Last spring when we needed to hire a new head coach you usually go through a process and a list of names," he said. "Jim [Rutherford, Canucks president] and Patrik [Allvin, Vancouver general manager] challenged me to get a list and we would discuss it. So after a few days, I walked right back into their office and the piece of paper had one name on it."
He said Malhotra was the only person he wanted behind the Abbotsford bench.
"He came in and brought consistency," he said. "He's built an environment that players can walk in every day and know exactly what to expect. I'm so thankful for that list with the one name on it and he helped this team become Calder Cup champions."
Malhotra replaced Jeremy Colliton, who last season became an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils. Malhotra had been an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2020 to 2024. He had previously worked as a development coach and assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks.
He played 18 seasons in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadians. He also spent time as a player in the AHL.
His son Caleb Malhotra played last season with the BCHL's Chilliwack Chiefs, but is now a member of the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs. He is also committed to Boston University.
The Abbotsford Canucks begin defending the Calder Cup in Nevada against the Henderson Silver Knights on Oct. 10. The team's home opener, which will see the championship banner raised, sees them host the Ontario Reign on Oct. 24.
