<p>The 46-year-old Canadian replaced Adam Foote, who was fired two weeks ago after guiding the Canucks to an NHL-worst 25 wins in 82 games.</p><p>Malhotra spent four seasons each as an assistant coach with Vancouver and Toronto before coaching the Canucks' top development club to a league title two seasons ago.</p><p>"<strong>Manny and I have been in the battle together before, so I know firsthand what a good teacher, leader, and quality person he is</strong>," Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson said Monday night in announcing the move.</p><p>"<strong>Connection, consistency and putting in place the proper foundation will be key for our group moving forward.</strong></p><p>"<strong>Manny is a great coach who has the right skillset and mentality to help players develop and get better each day</strong>."</p><p>Malhotra scored 116 goals in 991 games as a center with the New York Rangers, Dallas, Columbus, San Jose, Vancouver, Carolina and Montreal.</p><p>The Canucks have missed the playoffs in five of the past six seasons and have not gone beyond the second round since falling to Boston in the 2011 NHL Final.</p><p>The Canucks, last in goals allowed and penalty killing last season, will have the third pick in this month's NHL Draft.</p>