Canucks Coaching Search Heats Up as Shocking Names Make Final Shortlist, per Elliotte Friedman

Among the intriguing possibilities is Marco Sturm, an NHL forward who suited up for over 900 games, including a brief stint with Vancouver. According to insider Irfaan Gaffar, the Canucks already spoke to him.

After retiring in 2013, Sturm quickly got into coaching, leading Germany to a silver medal at the 2018 Olympics.

He then became an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings before taking over as head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.

Sturm led the Reign to three straight playoff appearances and is one of the up-and-coming stars in the coaching ranks.

Virtual interviews are about to end, with the next phase being in-person ones

The Canucks are conducting virtual interviews now, with in-person meetings soon, reports Sportsnet's Satiar Shah.

Team president Jim Rutherford has already guaranteed that Malhotra is on the shortlist, but other shortlisted candidates are Penguins assistant Mike Vellucci, Hershey Bears coach Todd Nelson, and Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson, who were just recently fired.

With some good names being considered, the Canucks are attempting to make the right decision that will help shape the franchise in the proper direction. More clarity will be there in the weeks ahead as the search continues, with the list shortening.