Kings Eye Former Canucks Coach Manny Malhotra for Head Coaching Position

The Los Angeles Kings may have exited the Stanley Cup Playoffs nearly a month ago, but the buzz surrounding their search for the franchise’s 29th Head Coach continues to generate significant interest. As the playoffs progress, speculation abounds, with insiders sharing potential candidates and the direction the team might take in this pivotal decision.

Among the names linked to the Kings are current interim coach D.J. Smith and the recently dismissed Bruce Cassidy. However, another name has emerged in the conversation: Manny Malhotra, the former Vancouver Canuck and current head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks.

NHL insider David Pagnotta has indicated that a shift towards a younger coaching approach is likely, hinting that the Kings may part ways with Smith. Pagnotta specifically mentioned Malhotra as a potential fit, stating, “I can’t imagine a scenario where DJ Smith is the head coach next season; are they gonna look young…like a Manny Malhotra.”

Malhotra’s appeal goes beyond Los Angeles, as the Toronto Maple Leafs have also shown interest in the 46-year-old coach, who recently parted ways with Craig Berube. While the Kings appear to be considering Malhotra, the competition for his services could complicate matters.

After wrapping up his playing career in 2016, Malhotra transitioned to coaching with the Canucks as an assistant, serving in that role until 2020 before joining the Maple Leafs. His tenure with Toronto lasted four seasons before he returned to the Canucks organization as the head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks.

Malhotra’s coaching journey has seen its ups and downs; in the 2024-25 season, he guided the Abbotsford squad to a commendable 44-24-4 record, culminating in a Calder Cup Championship. However, the following season was a struggle, as the team finished with a 28-37-7 record, missing the playoffs entirely. Now, as the annual head coaching cycle unfolds, Malhotra stands at the forefront of potential opportunities.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.