The Toronto Maple Leafs are expecting to fill their bench vacancy with former NHL forward Manny Malhotra, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Toronto expects to make an official announcement later on Thursday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Malhotra has been with the Vancouver Canucks organization since 2016 when the team hired him as a development coach. They promoted him to assistant coach in 2017.

The Leafs have openings on their coaching staff after losing Paul McFarland to a head coaching gig with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs and letting go of Andrew Brewer.

The Mississauga, Ontario native has played 991 NHL games and totaled 116 goals and 179 assists. The veteran was well known during his career for his two-way abilities and his proficiency in face-offs.

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