Music: {allcanada} Malhotra placed on IR, season over

Thursday, February 14, 2013

{allcanada} Malhotra placed on IR, season over

The Vancouver Canucks on Thursday placed center Manny Malhotra in injured reserve and announced he would miss the remainder of the season.

Malhotra has no points and just two shots on goal this season, and sat out Tuesday's home game against the Minnesota Wild. His best play had come in the faceoff circle, where he had won 65.3 percent of his draws. He also led the team's forwards in shorthanded ice time per game at 2:47.

"The long-term health of Manny Malhotra is of utmost importance to our organization," Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement released by the team. "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 32-year-old had seven goals and 18 points in 78 games last season, the third straight season his point total has decreased since he had a career-best 35 points in 2008-09 with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

In 14 NHL seasons with the New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks and Canucks, Malhotra has 108 goals and 278 points in 864 games.