Canucks Extend Manny Malhotra as Abbotsford Head Coach

Summary:

• The Vancouver Canucks exercised their option to keep Malhotra coaching Abbotsford through the 2026–27 AHL season.
• Malhotra led Abbotsford to its first Calder Cup with a 44-24-2-2 record and a 16-8 playoff run last season.
• The former NHL forward was also assistant coach with Vancouver and Toronto.

Manny Malhotra will not leave Fraser Valley, as confirmed on Tuesday by the Vancouver Canucks. 

The head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate in Abbotsford will stay put in his position behind the bench, as the organization exercised an option on his deal that ensured he will guide the Calder Cup–winning Abbotsford Canucks through the 2026–27 campaign.

The Group, “Extremely Happy” to Extend the Contract

In announcing the move, Vancouver general manager Patrik Allvin praised Malhotra’s work ethic and passion in “teaching, communicating with, and developing” their players in the AHL. Thanks to the strong ties he managed to create with their NHL staff, added Allvin, the group won a Calder Cup and successfully took in players called up to Vancouver during the season. 

We are extremely happy to have Manny extend his time with the hockey club

The results speak for themselves. In his first season as head coach, Malhotra steered Abbotsford to a 44-24-2-2 regular-season record before leading them on a remarkable playoff run that ended with the franchise’s first-ever Calder Cup championship.

The 45-year-old, born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, is familiar with the organization. Before returning to lead Abbotsford, he served as an assistant coach with Vancouver’s NHL club, and he also spent time on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ coaching staff. 

Earlier this year, his name was even floated as a serious candidate to replace Rick Tocchet as Vancouver’s head coach before Tocchet signed an extension.

He Played for 16 Seasons

His coaching career followed an accomplished playing career that spanned 16 seasons in the NHL. 

A reliable two-way center, Malhotra suited up for seven different teams and recorded 295 points, including 116 goals, over 991 regular-season appearances.

For Vancouver, keeping him in Abbotsford will provide continuity for a developmental system that’s become increasingly important to the NHL club’s long-term success. For Malhotra, it means more time to shape the next generation of Canucks while adding to an already impressive coaching résumé.