Manny Malhotra Wins Calder Cup as Head Coach

By Troy Tyrell | WBN News Vancouver | June 19, 2025
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In a career arc that screams perseverance, former NHL forward Manny Malhotra has now added “Calder Cup champion coach” to his hockey résumé. As the head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks, he led the team to their first AHL championship in franchise history, just one season after taking over the reins.

But this wasn't just a Cinderella coaching run. It was the result of years of grit, growth, and a deep understanding of the game born from nearly two decades in the NHL trenches.

🚨 From 7th Overall Pick to NHL Workhorse

Drafted 7th overall by the New York Rangers in 1998, Malhotra carved out a 16-season NHL career defined not by flashy scoring but by faceoff dominance, defensive reliability, and locker room leadership.

He wore jerseys for the Rangers, Stars, Blue Jackets, Sharks, Canucks, Hurricanes, and Canadiens, totaling 991 NHL games. Known as a shutdown centre and faceoff ace, he turned defence into an art form. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing.

In 2011, while with the Vancouver Canucks, Malhotra took a puck to the eye, a devastating injury that nearly ended his career and vision. But in true warrior fashion, he returned just in time to help Vancouver push to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

🎓 Transitioning from Player to Teacher

After retiring in 2016, Malhotra quickly stepped into the coaching world. He returned to the Canucks as a development coach, then was promoted to assistant coach. In 2020, the Toronto Maple Leafs hired him for his defensive systems expertise and faceoff coaching.

But it wasn’t until 2024 that he got the head coach call-up from the Abbotsford Canucks, a move that has proven to be a masterstroke.

🏒 2025 Calder Cup Run: Calm Under Pressure

Despite a shaky start to the season, Malhotra’s leadership brought Abbotsford together. He guided the team on two massive winning streaks, eight and 13 games, respectively, and moulded a squad known more for call-ups than consistency into AHL champions.

Players and staff describe him as calm, commanding, and cerebral. He doesn’t yell, he connects. He doesn’t criticize, he educates.

“He’s a modern-day coach,” said one Abbotsford player. “He teaches with purpose. He makes us want to play for each other.”

🔥 Coaching Traits That Stand Out

Elite Communicator: Clear, calm, and honest in his feedback
Tactical Mind: Brings NHL-level systems to AHL talent
Development First: Balances winning with player progression
Faceoff Mastery: Incorporates specialty skills from his own playing days
Emotional Intelligence: Builds culture, not just rosters

👀 What’s Next for Malhotra?

There’s growing buzz that Manny Malhotra may be next in line for an NHL head coaching job, possibly even with the Vancouver Canucks. His development work with Abbotsford is already paying dividends for Vancouver’s prospects, and his familiarity with the Canucks organization could make him a natural fit when the next bench vacancy opens up.

Malhotra’s evolution from steady centreman to cerebral coach offers a blueprint for post-playing success, and his Calder Cup win cements him as one of the most promising young coaches in hockey.

By Troy Tyrell, Founder of Tsquared Personal Training
WBN Contributor | Community Builder | Mountain Biker | Advocate for Local Business & Fitness
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