Rutherford shares why Jeremy Colliton left the Canucks organization

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Cooper Godin
June 21, 2024 (4:50 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks announced last month that Jeremy Colliton was no longer the head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, replacing him with Manny Malhotra.

Colliton was well-liked in the Canucks organization, so it was a bit of a surprise to see him leave back in May. In a recent interview, Jim Rutherford shed some light on Colliton's departure, saying that it was time for both sides to go their separate ways.

Rutherford added that they're excited to have Manny Malhotra as Abbotsford's head coach next season and is very familiar with him from their time together in Carolina during the 2013-14 season.

"We really respect the job that Jeremy did (but) it appeared it was time that everyone moved on. And you know, Manny Malhotra is a guy that we just really respect and like. I had him as a player (in Carolina), he was here in Vancouver before and it was such a natural fit. So we're very pleased with how all of that has played out. And it worked out for Jeremy, too. . . as he continues to work his way back to becoming a head coach in the NHL." Rutherford said.

Colliton, 39, led the Abbotsford Canucks to the Calder Cup Playoffs during his two years behind the bench. In 144 games with the Abbotsford Canucks, Colliton had identical records in back-to-back seasons - 40-25-7 record, but was unable to lead them past the Division Semifinals either year.

It didn't take Colliton too long to find employment however, as it was announced last week, he was joining Sheldon Keefe's staff as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils.

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