Vancouver Canucks’ Manny Malhotra Placed Injured Reserve for Season

(Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

The Vancouver Canucks announced on Thursday centre Manny Malhotra has been placed on injured reserve and will sit out the rest of the 2013 NHL season.

“The long term health of Manny Malhotra is of utmost importance to our organization,” Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said in a release. “Throughout his career Manny has showcased his indispensability through skilled play, being a consummate professional and leader in the room while also continuously giving back to the community. Manny will continue to be a valued member of our organization.”

The news comes as centre Ryan Kesler looks poised to make his return to the lineup on Friday against the visiting Dallas Stars. At practice, Kesler ditched the no contact grey jersey for the regular blue jersey and was taking line rushes with Chris Higgins on his left and Zack Kassian on his right. He also practiced on the first power play unit with Alexandre Burrows, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, and Alexander Edler.

To activate Kesler from the non-roster injured list, the Canucks needed to make room on their 23-man roster and just did that by placing Malhotra on injured reserve. This ends speculation surrounding Malhotra’s “personal” issues.

Malhotra missed practice on Monday, but was spotted inside Rogers Arena in workout gear. He then sat out Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Wild and was replaced in the lineup by Andrew Ebbett.

CBC’s Elliotte Friedman believes by sitting Malhotra out for the rest of the season, it allows him the opportunity to see if his vision improves before making a decision on his career. TSN’s Bob McKenzie expects Malhotra to take on an “unofficial” coaching position for the rest of the season.

I would expect Malhotra to function as an unofficial assistant coach for balance of season, working with players in VAN and AHL CHI.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2013

Malhotra respected/revered by teammates/rivals alike. He can revisit his future plans in off-season but LTIR is his fate for this season.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2013

Malhotra is reportedly not prepared to formally retire at this time but he’s been shut down for balance of the season.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2013

The bottom line on Manny Malhotra: there are deep concerns his eye injury/vision are not at level to allow him to safely play the game.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2013