The Vancouver Canucks are nearing the conclusion of their coaching search, with reports suggesting that the initial list of seven interviewed candidates has been narrowed down to three potential finalists. According to TSN’s Farhan Lalji, Manny Malhotra and Adam Foote are among those being considered for the head coach position, with a possibility of a third name still in contention.
Manny Malhotra has been with the Canucks organization since 2016, taking on a development coach role shortly after his professional playing career ended. The 44-year-old Mississauga native enjoyed a 16-season NHL career, including three impactful years with the Canucks from 2010 to 2013.
On the other hand, Adam Foote, 53, joined the Canucks as an assistant coach in January 2023. He has a solid coaching background, having led the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL for over a season and spent seven seasons as a defensive coach with the Colorado Avalanche. Foote also boasts a lengthy NHL career that spanned 19 seasons with the Quebec Nordiques, Avalanche, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
In addition to the coaching candidates, it’s noteworthy that Canucks management had a conversation with star defenseman Quinn Hughes at the close of the season. Both parties reportedly shared a mutual understanding regarding the team’s future direction, a crucial aspect as the franchise looks to build on the disappointments of the recent season.
The decision to part ways with Rick Tocchet came after the team struggled to make the playoffs, ending the season with a record of 38-30-14. While Tocchet had previously led the Canucks to the playoffs in his first full year as head coach, the team’s performance in the following season did not meet expectations.
The ongoing coaching search represents a significant moment for the Canucks as they aim to revitalize their strategy and potentially improve their standing in the competitive landscape of the NHL. With experienced candidates like Malhotra and Foote, there is hope for a revitalized approach that could lead to greater successes in the coming seasons.