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The Vancouver Canucks have dismissed head coach Adam Foote after just one season. Alongside Foote, assistant coaches Scott Young, Kevin Dean, and Brett McLean have also been relieved of their duties, according to a social media announcement from rookie general manager Ryan Johnson.
These changes continue the team’s recent overhaul, which began last week with the hiring of Johnson and the appointment of Daniel and Henrik Sedin as co-presidents of the club.
Manny Malhotra, head coach of the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, is expected to be a leading candidate to replace Foote. Johnson confirmed plans to discuss the future with Malhotra, saying at a news conference Tuesday, “It’s hard to be ignorant of an internal candidate that we obviously have.”
Johnson praised Malhotra’s work, highlighting his success in developing young players and leading a youthful team to a championship. “Manny has shown his ability to develop young players, to build connection and obviously win a championship with a very young group.”
Johnson and Malhotra share a close working relationship, having collaborated to lead Abbotsford to the Calder Cup championship last year, with Johnson as general manager and Malhotra as head coach.
Adding an intriguing layer to the situation, Malhotra’s son, Caleb, is a top prospect for next month’s NHL entry draft, where the Canucks hold the third overall pick. When asked about any potential conflicts, Johnson said, “As far as his son or the draft, I’m in no position to change or make decisions based off one or the other. There will be no sacrifice because of a father-son relationship.”
Johnson also confirmed that assistant general managers Cammi Granato and Émilie Castonguay will remain in their roles.
Foote’s tenure as head coach saw the Canucks finish last in the NHL, struggle through injuries, and trade away captain Quinn Hughes. Prior to his head coaching role, Foote was an assistant coach for three seasons under Rick Tocchet.
Malhotra brings a wealth of experience, having played 16 NHL seasons, including two in Vancouver from 2010 to 2012. He began coaching within the Canucks organization as an assistant in 2017, moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach in 2020, and returned to lead Abbotsford as head coach in 2024.
