Leafs reportedly denied after asking permission to interview coach

it appears that there's a new trend in the NHL.

It started last week with reports that the Vegas Golden Knights denied permission for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings to interview former head coach Bruce Cassidy.

Now, there are reports that the Vancouver Canucks have denied the Toronto Maple Leafs from interviewing AHL Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra.

Of course, the difference between Malhotra's situation in Vancouver and Cassidy's situation in Vegas is that Malhotra is still very much in Vancouver's plans. In fact, it's believed that new Canucks GM Ryan Johnson is currently in negotiations to promote Malhotra to the NHL to become the new head coach of the Canucks.

With that in mind, you can understand the Canucks' hesitancy to allow other teams to speak with their prospective new coach.

It remains to be seen what happens in Toronto, but it appears that Malhotra is not an option for the Leafs at this time. What's interesting is that Malhotra has a history with the Leafs as an assistant coach under Sheldon Keefe.

Malhotra carved out a long and respected NHL career built on hard work, leadership and elite defensive play. Drafted seventh overall by the New York Rangers in 1998, Malhotra went on to play 16 NHL seasons with seven different organizations. While he was never a flashy offensive star, Malhotra became one of the league’s most trusted shutdown centers and faceoff specialists. Canucks fans still remember his massive role during Vancouver’s 2011 Stanley Cup Final run before a devastating eye injury changed the trajectory of his career. By the time he retired, Malhotra had appeared in 991 NHL games while earning a reputation as one of hockey’s ultimate professionals.

Malhotra’s transition into coaching has been just as impressive. After retiring, he immediately joined the Vancouver Canucks organization as a development coach before eventually serving as an NHL assistant coach with both Vancouver and the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 2024, the Canucks brought Malhotra back once again, naming him head coach of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. The move was immediately praised by fans and management alike, with many believing Malhotra was destined for bigger opportunities behind the bench. He quickly helped establish a strong development culture in Abbotsford and guided the team to tremendous success, including the franchise’s first Calder Cup championship in 2025. Around the Canucks organization, Malhotra is now viewed as one of the brightest young coaching minds in hockey.