Coaching change: About to salvage an important Canucks draft mistake?

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Felip Gosselin
September 16, 2024 (8:46 PM)

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When Jeremy Colliton left the organization, the Canucks quickly turned around and hired one of their former players, Manny Malhotra. For now, their coaching selection seems to be paying off.

Malhotra brings his share of baggage. He is an NHL journeyman who made a career from his defensive attributes and spent 991 games in the NHL, 71 in the AHL, and a few in Europe. He knows the game and has a keen eye for player development. Since retiring in 2016, he began coaching and split his time between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Canucks as an assistant coach before taking the Abbotsford Canucks' reign.

Is Malhotra's experience already paying off?

Up for his first coaching challenge with the Canucks, Malhotra appeared as the team's head coach in their most recent Young Stars Classic. A source close to the event and the team revealed that Danila Klimovich had entertained conversations in Russian with the new bench boss. The Classic also showcased a side to Klimovich's game that had not appeared.

Filled with confidence, Klimovich showed the potential the Canucks' scouts once saw in him, and a coaching change in Abbotsford might just be what he needs to get back to that level.

Change of scenery to salvage the Klimovich pick?

After being picked as the 41st overall selection in 2021, just a few picks before local product and Dallas Stars sensation Logan Stankoven, Danila Klimovich came to the AHL immediately and never evolved up to expectations.

Will a change of scenery be what he needs? After a season of 4 points in 24 games, Klimovich can't do any worse, and he'll definitely need to step it up if he intends to stick around. By the looks of it, early into the season, Malhotra seems to have what it takes to get him back on track; does Klimovich truly have the skill, potential, and work ethic to make it happen?