Toronto hires Manny Malhotra as an assistant coach
The Toronto Maple Leafs came into the 2019-20 campaign with high expectations and a team loaded with talent. Unfortunately for Maple Leafs’ fans, those expectations were not met as the team technically didn’t even qualify for the playoffs as a result of the new format introduced this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team fired former head coach Mike Babcock halfway through the campaign with the team struggling on and off the ice. Sheldon Keefe was brought in much to the player’s delight, but even the new head coach could not prevent them from falling to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the best-of-five play-in round.
While the Maple Leafs have already started to tinker with their roster, on Thursday they announced the acquisition of one of the most sought-after assistant coaches in the league Manny Malhotra. Malhotra spent the last three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks as an assistant coach, but decided it was time he moved on from the organization.
“I’m very grateful to the Canucks organization for the opportunity given to me to start my coaching career. It was truly a great experience to learn from Travis Green and the rest of his staff,” said Malhotra in a statement. “I’m now very excited for this opportunity with the Leafs moving forward – to be working with Sheldon, his staff and this young, talented team.”
Unlike Toronto, Vancouver exceeded expectations this season by reaching the second-round of the playoffs. They were ultimately eliminated in game seven by the Vegas Golden Knights, but they had a good run and one that fans have been pleased with.
Although the Canucks organization will not be pleased to see him leave, Canucks’ head coach Travis Green had nothing but positive things to say about the coach when the move was made official.
“This is a good opportunity and a great promotion for Manny. He’s ready for this next step in Toronto,” Canucks head coach Travis Green said in a statement. “He’s a good friend, we’re proud of him, and we wish him and his family nothing but success and happiness in the future.”
Malhotra brings a plethora of experience with him, having spent 16-seasons playing in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens. This will be the first time the Mississauga native will get a chance to be a member of the Maple Leafs’ organization.
“The work ethic, character, intelligence and attention to detail that made Manny the ultimate teammate when he played are all assets that have translated to his coaching. That, combined with his charisma and communication skills, make us really excited to have him join the organization,” said Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. “On behalf of the Leafs, I’d like to thank Travis Green, Jim Benning and the Canucks organization for the opportunity to speak with Manny.”
The Maple Leafs will not be in action until the 2020-21 NHL season kicks off which is scheduled for December as of now, but that could still be pushed back to a later date.
