Canucks coaching search narrows to finalists Manny Malhotra and Adam Foote

The Vancouver Canucks coaching search is reaching its final stretch, with former NHL veterans Manny Malhotra and Adam Foote emerging as the leading finalists. Following another playoff miss in the 2024–25 NHL season, the Canucks are under pressure to make a bold, strategic coaching hire that can steer the franchise back to contention. As the organization evaluates its options, all signs point to a pivotal decision that could define the next era of Canucks hockey.The Vancouver Canucks' search for a new head coach has entered its final phase, with two familiar names—Manny Malhotra and Adam Foote now considered top contenders for the position. After formally interviewing seven candidates, Canucks management is believed to have narrowed the list down to these two finalists, with a possible third candidate still in consideration.This decision comes at a crucial point for the franchise. Vancouver missed the playoffs in the 2024–25 NHL season, finishing with a 38-30-14 record, which led to parting ways with Rick Tocchet. Tocchet had previously guided the Canucks to a postseason appearance in 2023–24, but the team failed to build on that progress.Malhotra, 44, has deep ties to the organization. He played three seasons with the Canucks from 2010 to 2013 and returned in 2016 as a development coach following his retirement from the NHL. He later joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach, where he gained further experience in managing special teams and player development.His leadership qualities and familiarity with the Canucks’ structure make him a logical candidate, especially given his strong communication skills and rapport with young players.Adam Foote, 53, is also firmly in the mix. He joined the Canucks as an assistant coach in January 2023 and previously served as the head coach of the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Before that, he spent seven seasons as a defensive development coach with the Colorado Avalanche. As a former Stanley Cup-winning defenseman with a 19-season NHL career, Foote brings a wealth of experience and a disciplined approach.His presence on the Canucks’ bench has been seen as stabilizing, particularly in guiding the team’s defensive core.Canucks management reportedly held end-of-season discussions with captain Quinn Hughes, ensuring alignment on the team’s direction. With a talented core in place and playoff expectations growing, this coaching hire will be central to Vancouver’s next phase.Also Read: “Just looking forward to the next game”: Max Domi keeps it brief, but his hit on Barkov says moreThe organization appears to be favoring candidates with proven NHL backgrounds and internal familiarity, aiming for stability and a culture-first approach moving forward. A final decision is expected soon as the team prepares for the offseason and the 2025 NHL Draft.