Former Maple Leafs Coach Earns New Contract With Canucks Organization
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
On Tuesday it was announced that the Vancouver Canucks had extended former Maple Leafs assistant coach Manny Malhotra to lead their AHL affiliate Abbotsford.
Throughout the years we've seen several Maple Leafs assistant coaches find homes elsewhere after coming through Toronto. Spencer Carbery, Guy Boucher, Paul McFarland, and perhaps most notably Keith Acton are just some of the names who have come in to help out in various regards.
Who the Canucks Just Extended From the Maple Leafs' Coaching Tree
One of the more successful ones in recent seasons is Manny Malhotra, as the former NHL forward transitioned into a coaching career quickly after retiring. An assistant coach for four seasons in Toronto (2020-2024) he previously was an assistant for the Vancouver Canucks before coming to the Leafs.
He moved on back to the Canucks organization last year and immediately made a difference, as he headed their AHL affiliate Abbotsford and led them to a Calder Cup Trophy in his first year.
Thanks to that success, it seems like he's earned himself a nice payday.
The Canucks announced they had extended Malhotra's deal throughout the 2026-27 season, as they anticipate more success from their AHL head coach.
Vancouver put out a statement from GM Patrik Allvin who had nothing but the highest praise for Malhotra:
Since joining our organization, Manny has done a great job teaching, communicating with, and developing our players in the American Hockey League.
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.
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 was a 16-year veteran of the NHL, playing for seven teams in his career (Blue Jackets, Rangers, Stars, Sharks, Hurricanes, Canadiens, and Canucks) and posted 295 points in 991 games (116 goals, 179 assists).
He was drafted 7th overall by the Rangers in 1998.
Leafs Connections Continue to Influence Around the NHL
With Malhotra succeeding in Vancouver, we can see how playing in arguably the hardest market in hockey can prepare coaches for a tougher task ahead.
Dallas Eakins, a relatively average player ended up finding new life as coach of the Marlies, leading them to success then finding an NHL coaching job. Jim Hiller spent time here and now he helms the Los Angeles Kings bench.
Carbery might end up being the one who has the most promise, as he's still a young coach and is able to lead the powerhouse Washington Capitals for the next several years; even Dave Hakstol got a bit of coaching work in Seattle.
While yes, it's a fact that coaches often bounce around teams and find new jobs on a fairly consistent basis thanks to firings, hirings, etc.
However it's quite impressive to see how many successes have come out of the Maple Leafs system and who continue to lead NHL teams to this day.
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