'Promote Malhotra Now': Social Media Reacts To Canucks Firing Coach Adam Foote
The Vancouver Canucks fired coach Adam Foote after one season.
The Canucks also dismissed assistant coaches Kevin Dean, Scott Young and Brett McLean. TSN's Darren Dreger was the first to report the news before the team's announcement on Tuesday.
Vancouver continues to make significant changes after hiring Daniel and Henrik Sedin as co-presidents of hockey operations and Ryan Johnson as GM last week.
Vancouver promoted Foote to head coach last off-season after Rick Tocchet parted ways with the team. Under Foote, the Canucks finished last in the NHL by 14 points with a 25-49-8 record.
"It was a challenging year on several fronts, and truthfully, Adam and his staff were dealt a very difficult hand," Johnson said in a statement. "That said, as we head into a rebuild, our group feels new coaching voices are needed to chart the path forward."
Vancouver Canucks Fire Adam Foote, Scott Young, Kevin Dean & Brett McLean
The Vancouver Canucks will have a completely different coaching staff next season.
Some fans have mentioned the coach of the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks, Manny Malhotra, as a suitable replacement for Foote.
"Manny Malhotra szn!" wrote @axjlx77. "Great call twins! Market is already loving the Sedin Era."
"Please, Manny Malhota as our new HC," said @oMathozo.
"Good! Promote Malhotra now," posted @tylerwolo43.
Malhotra, 46, led Abbotsford to the Calder Cup in 2024-25 and has been an assistant coach for the NHL Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs since retiring as a longtime two-way forward. The Leafs are also searching for a new coach, and Malhotra has been linked to them in speculation.
New Canucks GM Challenges Players To Be The Best Quality Teammate Possible
The Vancouver Canucks introduced Ryan Johnson as their new GM and Daniel and Henrik Sedin as their new co-presidents of hockey operations. Before discussing wins and losses, the environment and culture are the focus.
The Canucks are ultimately in the early stages of a rebuild. Johnson said last Thursday it would be unfair to put a timeline on how long it will take.
"Establishing the proper environment and culture is a vital first step in creating a solid and authentic connection throughout the entire organization," Johnson said in Tuesday's statement. "At the start of next season, our coaches will need to do a lot of work with our players, to instill in them the traits and habits they will rely on moving forward. The process to bring in a new staff begins immediately."
As such, the Canucks may end up near or at the bottom of the standings again next season.
"All the people who wanted Foote fired better not complain next season that they're winning too much and ruining their lottery odds," @taj1944 also wrote. "Can't have it both ways."
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 12:53 PM.