Coaching Search - Candidates/Discussion and Predictions

[rats19]

Manny…..

[Picker of Cherries]

Definitely Manny - with Foote and one more very experienced NHL coach with a historic connection to the Canucks. Here’s the list for Manny’s other assistant coach that AI came up with to choose from, no matter how unlikely:

Willie Desjardins – Former Canucks head coach; respected developer of young talent, now coaching in WHL.
Marc Crawford – Coached Canucks (1999–2006); Cup winner, tactically sharp.
Alain Vigneault – Most successful Canucks coach of the modern era; likely semi-retired but brings elite experience.
Rick Bowness – Former Canucks head coach and assistant; recently stepped away from Jets for personal reasons but highly respected.
Mike Yeo – Former head coach (Wild, Blues, Flyers); previous Canucks development consultant.
Glen Hanlon – Former Capitals head coach; ex-Canucks goalie and assistant.
Scott Walker – Former Canucks forward; has NHL assistant and junior head coaching experience.
Newell Brown – Power-play expert; long-time Canucks assistant under multiple regimes.
Paul MacLean – Former Senators head coach; played briefly for the Canucks.
Ted Nolan – Ex-NHL head coach (Sabres, Isles); played in Canucks system; known for leadership and motivating players.
Tom Renney – Former NHL head coach and Hockey Canada exec; B.C.-born; player development savvy.
Don Hay – Ex-Flames head coach; former Canucks assistant and WHL coaching legend.
Dave Lowry – Former NHL interim head coach; played for Canucks in the early 1990s; strong bench presence.

[JelloPuddingPop]

That list makes me a bit more secure in the idea that AI won't be taking over the world in my lifetime.

Skynet 2065.

[Cousin Strawberry]

That list makes me a bit more secure in the idea that AI won't be taking over the world in my lifetime.

Skynet 2065.

Skygomer107 right there. I bet AI films airplanes and has ideas on how to skewer gophers

[Lancer]

Patrick Johnston reporting that the search is down to two: Foote and Malhotra - with Malhotra having a bit of an inside track.

Depending on your views of management, their player-personnel decisions, and how that may have affected their relationship with their coaching staff, this isn't totally surprising. If you think management's relationship with Tocchet regarding players played a role in Tocchet leaving, then it makes sense for an in-house hire. Someone who's just happy to be an NHL coach, and who's familiar with Tocchet's structure, but won't continually bitch about how much of a bitch Petey is. Maybe they were afraid that a more experienced coach would throw his hands up at Petey and either let him do his own thing, or try to drive him out of town.

Either of them will be cheaper too. Frankie should love that saving after the money being rumored to have been thrown at Tocchet before he bolted.

[Cousin Strawberry]

It should be Foote. The D is our strength, nurture this

[Picker of Cherries]

It should be Malhotra. The forwards are their weakness, nurture this.

[Chef Boi RD]

Malhotra is a Gillis guy, Chef may have issues with this hire.

[Picker of Cherries]

Malhotra is a Gillis guy, Chef may have issues with this hire.

AI agrees with you:

“Yes, Manny Malhotra is indeed considered a "Gillis guy." He was signed by then-General Manager Mike Gillis on July 1, 2010, to a three-year, $7.5 million contract as part of a strategic effort to bolster the Vancouver Canucks' depth and defensive capabilities. Malhotra was brought in to center the third line, provide leadership, and excel in faceoffs and penalty killing.

Malhotra's impact was immediate and significant. His presence allowed Ryan Kesler to shift into a more offensive role, contributing to Kesler's breakout season in 2010–11. Malhotra's faceoff prowess and defensive reliability were key factors in the Canucks' run to the Stanley Cup Final that year. Even after suffering a serious eye injury late in the regular season, Malhotra made a remarkable return during the Final, underscoring his importance to the team.

Gillis' decision to sign Malhotra is often cited as one of his most effective roster moves, reflecting his emphasis on two-way play, leadership, and intelligent roster construction. Malhotra's tenure with the Canucks exemplifies the type of player Gillis valued during his time as general manager.”

But I don’t see the issue?

[Strangelove]

Yes, but Gillis held Manny out of the lineup post-eye-injury and then dumped him.

Eventually Eye Bags replaced One Eye with Samuel 'Shut Down' Pahlsson.

[Blob Mckenzie]

Malhotra is a Gillis guy, Chef may have issues with this hire.

You have an issue with having a beer gut and being a drain on society. BTW you sideswiped my neighbors truck when you left the other day. He called you a filthy old wop.

The area is in an uproar

[Blob Mckenzie]

Yes, but Gillis held Manny out of the lineup post-eye-injury and then dumped him.

Eventually Eye Bags replaced One Eye with Samuel 'Shut Down' Pahlsson.

He stunk post eye injury. Looked like Dude with a tent pole at Pigeon Park except he could skate. lol

[Hockey Widow]

Manny has done an outstanding job working with Abbotsford. Pretty well every call up was ready to play. He knows what we have on the farm which may translate into making better use of our young guys. You would think he’d also know who we can part with in trades.

Abbotsford’s season is also a tribute to him. He may get the job just because they don’t want to lose him to another team. He is a pretty smart hockey mind and knows defensive hockey. Can he coach offense? Can he help unleash the Alien?

[Tciso]

My preference is Manny, with Foote retained on D. If Manny shits the bed, Foote gets his shot. I really hope we keep Foote in the organization. Our defense looks competent finally, and Foote is part of the reason.

[Hockey Widow]

My preference is Manny, with Foote retained on D. If Manny shits the bed, Foote gets his shot. I really hope we keep Foote in the organization. Our defense looks competent finally, and Foote is part of the reason.

I guess it may boil down to who would we rather lose. Foote or Manny?