The Vancouver Canucks have promoted Manny Malhotra from their AHL affiliate to become the franchise's new head coach, marking a historic milestone as he is believed to be the first coach of South Asian descent in NHL history.

The organization is rebuilding after a disastrous 2024-25 season that saw them finish with the worst record in the league. Multiple trades, including the departure of Quinn Hughes, left the team in disarray. Former assistant Adam Foote was fired after the season, making way for internal change.

Malhotra, 46, guided the Abbotsford Canucks to consecutive playoff appearances and captured the Calder Cup championship in 2025, the first time the organization won hockey's minor league title. He previously coached the Canucks as a development and assistant coach before stints with Toronto.

With $21.9 million in projected cap space, the Canucks aim to rebuild around core players while Malhotra transitions to the NHL bench. The promotion signals a return to organizational stability after a turbulent period marked by player departures and public conflicts.