Report: Manny Malhotra retires, could be hired by Canucks

Manny Malhotra may not be out of the game for long.

The veteran center has reportedly reached the end of his NHL playing career and is seeking work in coaching or player development, according to Jeff Patterson of The Province.

Canucks general manager Jim Benning says the club is looking into hiring Malhotra, who appeared in 159 games for Vancouver from 2010 to 2013.

"He was a good player for the team for a number of years, and he’s a guy who had a special set of gifts that he offered on faceoffs and penalty killing," Benning said. "He was a good leader on those teams that were successful. So we’re currently looking into seeing if there is a fit with our organization."

His career was put on hold due to a serious eye injury suffered weeks before the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the year Vancouver advanced to the final. He last played for the Montreal Canadiens during the 2014-15 season.

Malhotra, 36, appeared in 991 NHL games, recording 116 goals and 295 points. He proved to be most efficient in the faceoff circle and playing without the puck.