The Vancouver Canucks will be losing assistant coach Manny Malhotra who will be joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in a similar role.

Malhotra, 40, just finished up his fourth year with the Canucks and was highly acclaimed for the work he did with Vancouver’s roster. He spent three years playing for Vancouver between 2010 and 2013.

“I’m very grateful to the Canucks organization for the opportunity given to me to start my coaching career. It was truly a great experience to learn from Travis Green and the rest of his staff,” said Malhotra in a statement. “I’m now very excited for this opportunity with the Leafs moving forward – to be working with Sheldon, his staff and this young, talented team.”

Canucks head coach Travis Green called it a “great opportunity” Malhotra.

“This is a good opportunity and a great promotion for Manny. He’s ready for this next step in Toronto,” Canucks head coach Travis Green said in a statement. “He’s a good friend, we’re proud of him, and we wish him and his family nothing but success and happiness in the future.”

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