Manny Malhotra has been named the new head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks.

The team announced his hiring on Friday (May 24) and Malhotra will replace Jeremy Colliton who had been the bench boss for the past two seasons.

Malhotra had been an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs since 2020. 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.

General Manager Patrik Allvin announces that Manny Malhotra has been hired as the new head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks.

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鈥� Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks)

鈥淏eing able to return to the Vancouver Canucks organization is an incredible opportunity for both me and my family,鈥� Malhotra stated in a press release. 鈥淕etting 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鈥檛 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.鈥�

Abbotsford Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson stated that Malhotra will be a good fit in Abbotsford.

鈥淔irst of all, I would like to thank Jeremy Colliton and Gary Agnew for the work they did for us in Abbotsford,鈥� he said. 鈥淗aving 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.鈥�

Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin added that bringing in someone familiar with the organization was important and his experience behind the bench will be valuable.

I have not heard anything.

I did find it interesting when I asked him what was next for him after being eliminated (assuming he would go help Vancouver) - he said he had no idea.

Audio below

鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka)

The Province reported last week that Colliton had been offered a two-year contract, but had not yet signed with the Canucks. There were also rumours that he had met with the San Jose Sharks about that team鈥檚 coaching vacancy.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman also stated on the Donnie and Dhali show that he believes that Colliton had been talking to NHL teams and that the Abbotsford job was considered open among those in the coaching community.

What is happening with Jeremy Colliton and the Abbotsford Canucks? updated us on what he has heard.

Full interview..

鈥� Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali)

Colliton compiled a record of 80-50-14 in two seasons in Abbotsford and advanced to the Pacific Division semifinal round in both seasons.