The Maple Leafs GM search has a hidden coaching connection between Mike Gillis and Manny Malhotra
The Toronto Maple Leafs could be looking at a pair of former Canucks to help lead the charge as there's been a discussion of having both Mike Gillis and Manny Malhotra come in to the organization.
Mike Gillis has been discussed as a name to change Toronto. Manny Malhotra is an up and coming coach who is very familiar with the Maple Leafs. There could be a bit of a power-duo that changes the trajectory of the team in no time flat.
With MLSE CEO Keith Pelley looking to make an expedited move to hire a President/GM before the NHL Draft Combine, it seems like it's only a matter of time before we hear about a signing — though Toronto has reportedly been very interested in Gillis.
Two Man Power Trip: How Gillis and Malhotra can transform the Maple Leafs
If they were to speed up the process and bring him in shortly, that could lead to Malhotra getting a chance to lead the team next year. Not only is he familiar with the Maple Leafs due to being an assistant to Sheldon Keefe, but he's primed to be a NHL coach and has found a ton of success in the AHL.
Plus, he and Gillis go way, way back. Way back in the 90s, Gillis noticed Malhotra's character by helping out a disadvantaged person and that incident stuck with him and made Malhotra someone he wanted to bring aboard.
Also, according to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, Gillis was the one who initially convinced Malhotra to try coaching — something that proved quite fruitful.
Between Gillis' advanced philosophy and willingness to go outside the box, and Malhotra being viewed so highly around the league, it's very possible there's a reunion once again.
How Toronto's top-five pick results could bring them the perfect father-son duo
If Gillis and Malhotra were brought in and somehow, someway the Maple Leafs were able to snag a top-five pick this upcoming draft, then it seems like there's no other choice than Manny's son, Caleb Malhotra.
Coming out of nowhere this season, Malhotra has 84 points in 67 games with the Brantford Bulldogs; coincidentally also playing with Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford.
He's a big bodied centre who is only 17, and was recently nominated for the Emms Family Award for his outstanding contribution to the community and sportsmanship.
He's Toronto's next centre of the future and while there is certainly some pressure having his father coach him, clearly he's got the talent and we genuinely don't know how it would work out — but you're darn sure it's worth a try.
Caleb has committed to Boston University for the 2026-27 season, so he won't be joining Toronto even if he is drafted by them, but if Malhotra and Gillis are going to be the ones running the show for a long time, it's a matter of when; not if.
Malhotra got a lot of credit with his time in Vancouver as a player development coach, with Bo Horvat crediting him for being someone who uses positive reinforcement. He doesn't focus on the negatives, but will point out ways to fix things. It's constructive criticism at its finest, and exactly what Toronto needs.
Adding both Gillis and Malhotra would be somewhat of a coup for Pelley knowing their history and respect for each other means they are going to work together and make sure they build the best team possible.
Is it guaranteed to work? Absolutely not, but for a Maple Leafs team who hasn't had anything work for nearly 60 years — what's the worst that can happen?
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