Canucks Get New GM
Manny Malhotra appointed Canucks GM, marking historic trio of former players in leadership.
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The Vancouver Canucks have hired Manny Malhotra as their 23rd head coach, completing a sweeping front-office overhaul that reunites four members of the 2010-11 Stanley Cup finalist team in senior roles Vancouver Sun. Malhotra joins General Manager Ryan Johnson and Co-Presidents Daniel and Henrik Sedin, marking the first time in franchise history that three senior hockey operations positions are held by former Canucks players National Post.
The hire comes after the Canucks finished last in the NHL in 2025-26 with a record of 25-49-8, surrendering a league-worst 314 goals Ottawa Sun. The organization is now betting that familiar faces can rebuild a broken culture from the inside.
A 2011 Reunion Takes Over Hockey Operations
Ryan Johnson was named the 13th GM in team history on May 14, replacing fired Patrik Allvin Calgary Sun. Daniel and Henrik Sedin were promoted to Co-Presidents of Hockey Operations the same day. Then on June 1, Malhotra — a former Canucks center from 2010 to 2013 — was named head coach, finishing the rebuild of the leadership group Edmonton Examiner.
Malhotra is also the first South Asian head coach in NHL history. Analyst Randip Janda called the hire "a massive deal" for the diverse Vancouver market Vancouver Sun. Malhotra said the move felt personal. "Vancouver and this organization have a very special place in my heart," he said. "I have an opportunity to come back and work with great people."
Critics Warn of a Costly 'Buddy System' Risk
Not everyone is celebrating. Some analysts have questioned whether three first-time senior executives can manage a last-place rebuild. One analyst, known as "The Moj," asked whether three "rookies" in top roles can handle the learning curve fast enough Hanna Herald. Reports also say Johnson's salary is under $850,000 per year, fueling accusations that owner Francesco Aquilini is cutting costs rather than committing to elite management Ottawa Sun.
Johnson pushed back on the "buddy system" narrative at his June 2 press conference. "This is more of a mission... to change a franchise, to build it the right way," he said National Post. He added that the group's shared history gives them a common language and clear standards — not a conflict of interest.
Father-Son Draft Storyline Looms Over Buffalo
The Canucks hold the 3rd overall pick at the June 26-27 NHL Draft in Buffalo. The top prospect pool includes Caleb Malhotra — Manny Malhotra's own son Vancouver Sun. The potential father-son connection has become the biggest subplot of the entire rebuild, drawing scrutiny from fans and media alike.
Johnson addressed the situation directly. He said he was "honest and clear" with Malhotra that the team will pick the best player available, even if that player is his son Calgary Sun. Daily Faceoff noted that while some scouts see Caleb as a natural fit, others worry the pressure of playing in Vancouver for his father's team would be "thorny" for an 18-year-old Calgary Sun.
Roster Overhaul and Fan Tensions Still Ahead
The new regime has signaled that only players under 23 are safe from trades The Whig. That puts star forward Elias Pettersson — who scored just 51 points last season and was publicly criticized by management over his "preparation" — firmly on the trade block Trentonian.
Season ticket holders are also upset. The team set a franchise record for home-ice losses last season, yet ownership has raised ticket prices for 2026-27 Owen Sound Sun Times. Malhotra said his focus starts with basic culture. "Body language and energy" were the first things he addressed in his June 4 media availability Vancouver Sun. Whether that message reaches a burned fan base remains to be seen.
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