Overview
- Canucks GM Ryan Johnson said Friday there is no timeline for naming a new head coach, signaling a deliberate, not rushed, hiring process.
- Manny Malhotra is widely regarded as the leading candidate because of his Calder Cup success in Abbotsford and his recent work with Johnson.
- No contract has been signed and talks remain ongoing, with reports pointing to negotiations over salary, assistant hires and timing as reasons for the delay.
- Johnson confirmed he is also in discussions with long‑time Canuck Alex Edler about a development or coaching role as the front office builds its staff.
- The decision matters for Vancouver’s multi‑year rebuild because the team holds the No. 3 pick in June and wants a coach focused on player development and culture change under the new leadership team of Johnson and co‑presidents Daniel and Henrik Sedin.