The Toronto Maple Leafs will hire Manny Malhotra as an assistant coach according to reports. The news comes from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. News of the reported hiring came on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1306622707719692289
Leafs to Hire Manny Malhotra as Assistant
Malhotra comes over to the Leafs after being an assistant with the Vancouver Canucks. He’s been part of the coaching staff since 2017. The Mississauga, Ontario native served as a development coach after his playing days ended, but was promoted. Malhotra was an eye in the sky before he got his spot behind the bench.
He replaces Paul McFarland behind the bench after he announced his departure from the organization. McFarland is now the coach and general manager of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs.
Malhotra was a defensive forward over his 16-year NHL career and was key in faceoffs and defensive zone starts. The New York Rangers took him in the first round, seventh overall of the 1998 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. He scored 116 goals, 179 assists and 295 points in 991 career games. His career Corsi for was 46.4 and he had a relative Corsi of -2.1.
The 40-year-old spent time with the Rangers, Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens. He won a bronze with Team Canada in the 2000 IIHF World Junior Championships.
What This Means for the Future
Malhotra brings a defensive acumen to a team that needs improvement in that area. He may replace McFarland in being the team’s power play coach, but those responsibilities have not been decided. Former NHL head coach Bruce Boudreau expressed interest in landing a spot as an assistant for his hometown team.
Malhotra is also of South Asian descent and has been helpful in guiding younger players. Many rave about his professionalism and his impact on helping payers of that background. Some hope he can become a future NHL head coach.
