NHL News

What’s Really Going On With the Canucks’ Coaching Decision?

Friedman denies the delay is “suspicious,” but there’s a lot more routine process behind the Canucks’ coaching decision than it looks.

by
Old Prof
May 20, 2026

Vancouver Canucks fans are wondering why, after firing Adam Foote as the head coach, Manny Malhotra was not named to replace him. To answer, Elliott Friedman says the delay isn’t that “suspicious.” For him, this delay was part of the Canucks’ process. There’s really not much to worry about Malhotra not being announced yet.

Friedman Believes Fans Should Not Overread the Delay

Friedman’s basically saying don’t overread the timing. When teams fire a coach, they often stagger news on purpose so one story doesn’t completely drown out the other. Announcing a firing right before a long weekend or dropping a hire at the same time would either look sloppy or get lost in the noise. Therefore, clubs break it up.

That staggered approach looks weird and feels “suspicious” because fans expect instant answers, but in reality, it’s just about logistics and PR. Plus, there’s usually a process: interviews, internal checks, contract terms, and sometimes permission-to-interview paperwork if other teams are involved.

All that can drag out a bit even when there’s an internal favourite. So Friedman’s point is: a lag between firing and naming a successor isn’t a red flag — it’s just how the sausage gets made.

Manny Malhotra Canucks coach — Manny Malhotra is looking to become the Canucks head coach.

That Malhotra Wasn’t Named Doesn’t Mean He’s Not the Guy

About Malhotra, the fact that he wasn’t named the replacement immediately doesn’t mean he’s out. If anything, it signals the Canucks are being methodical and don’t want to rush a decision that will be scrutinized. Malhotra’s work in Abbotsford and his connection to the organization make him the obvious frontrunner. And everyone expects it’d be a surprise if he didn’t get it.

But teams also have to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. They must discuss the longer-term structure, interview other candidates to satisfy stakeholders, and ensure contracts and reporting lines are clear. That’s especially true with a high-profile bench change that brings new faces into hockey operations and the Sedins’ involvement. So, not naming him immediately is more about process than lack of confidence.

Friedman Believes the Canucks Want to Demonstrate Due Process

Friedman also hints that the club may want to show they considered a wide net before confirming an internal hire — it gives the hire more legitimacy and calms fans who want ambition. The bottom line is that the delay feels odd to fans who want instant confirmation. However, it’s normal for teams to move in stages.

Expect Malhotra to be the safe, continuity pick unless there’s a genuine curveball. That said, the lack of an immediate announcement is boring admin. It doesn’t suggest that he’s been passed over.