Manny Malhotra, 32, had played in nine games in 2013 before Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis decided to end his season because of the serious eye injury he suffered in March 2011.
On top of his efforts this season, Malhotra also played in 78 games in 2011-12, five 2012 playoff contests, and was even a part of six Stanley Cup contests against Boston in 2011. However, Gillis ultimately decided to put Malhotra on the injured reserve list on Feb. 14 for the sake of his “long term health.”
Malhotra understands that, but it sounds like if it was his call, he’d still be playing.
“It’s Mike’s views and Mike’s decision…he didn’t feel that I was safe out on the ice,” Malhotra said in a Vancouver Province report. “I don’t agree with that. Again, it’s a tough call to make.
“I’m the only one who can say how I feel out there and how vulnerable I might be to a big hit. I feel confident. I felt good. I felt like I was seeing the play develop.”
At the same time, he doesn’t question Gillis’ sincerity and won’t request a trade.
“He wants to see me have a successful life post hockey,” Malhotra said.
His contract with the Canucks expires this summer, but he needs to consult with his family before he decides if he’ll attempt to extend his playing career as a free agent.
-
AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
-
“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
-
Dallas Eakins is ‘fully aware’ there are NHL coaching vacancies
May 22, 2013, 4:20 PM EDT
“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
-
Getty Images
Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
-
Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
Getty Images
Vancouver cleans house.
-
After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
-
Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected
May 22, 2013, 2:47 PM EDT
Getty Images
Click to read two good reasons.
-
AP
This should make the Keith Ballard buyout easier to stomach.
-
Question for commenters: What, if anything, needs to be done about the officiating?
May 22, 2013, 2:07 PM EDT
Go have your say.
-
Top-ranked Russian prospect Nichushkin will play in North America next year
May 22, 2013, 1:55 PM EDT
He’s expected to be a top-5 pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
-
Club says he suffered no injuries.
-
Getty Images
His contract with the Coyotes is up June 30.
-
Stone to make ’13 postseason debut for Sens in Game 4 vs. Pens, Conacher out
May 22, 2013, 11:10 AM EDT
Bold, but familiar move from Ottawa head coach Paul MacLean.
-
Getty Images
Veteran defenseman spent 15 years in the league.
-
Getty Images
Pending RFA not expected to re-sign with Jets.
-
Getty Images
If they were, it would add fuel to the speculation that the team might relocate to Quebec City.
-
Getty Images
He doesn’t have a goal in eight postseason contests.
-
It’s not clear if they will be available on Thursday.
-
Getty Images
The match starts at 7:30 p.m. ET.
-
AP
Wednesday’s collection of links.
