It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are into the last four teams. However, we got plenty of chatter on the hot stove. Teams have been taking stock and have already made some changes. We’ve seen several clubs make head coaching and general manager changes. However, clubs must now find a way to fill those positions that were opened after the firings.
One team that has plenty of chatter surrounding their head coach search is the Toronto Maple Leafs. This edition of NHL rumours deals with where we stand in that search.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Update on Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coaching Search
Rumour: We gather the latest NHL rumours regarding the Leafs coaching search. Toronto made some massive changes, and John Chayka is looking for a new bench boss after firing Craig Berube after two seasons at the helm.
Analysis: There’s been plenty of talk about the position once it became open. It’s one of the most coveted jobs in the but also one of the most high-pressure positions. There’s plenty of pressure to get Toronto to its first Stanley Cup crown since 1967.
Toronto had won the Atlantic Division title in Berube’s first season in charge of the team. However, roster changes and injuries sank the Maple Leafs early in the season. Toronto could never replace Mitch Marner‘s production and Auston Matthews missed the end of the season.
The Leafs new coach is going to have plenty of work to do and he’ll have a somewhat revamped roster. Chayka and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President Keith Pelley face a tough decision this offseason. A wrong move could set the franchise back and prolong the longest championship drought in the NHL.
This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at who the team has talked to and who may be on their radar.
(Credit Image: © Christopher Drost/SHIFT digital via ZUMA Press Wire)
The List So Far
The Hockey News reported that former Detroit Red Wings head coach and current assistant Derek Lalonde got interviewed for the job. Lalonde had an unceremonious end to his time in Hockeytown, but it makes sense to go after an internal candidate.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has offered up a variety of names in recent media appearances. Pagnotta mentioned former Edmonton Oilers head coach and current Pittsburgh Penguins assistant Todd Nelson on a recent edition of Leafs Morning Take. He also mentioned Jay Leach of the Boston Bruins on a recent edition of The Sheet as a possible candidate. An article on The Fourth Period also talked about Jay Woodcroft as a possible name under consideration.
Both Elliotte Friedman and Frank Seravalli have mentioned that former player Manny Malhotra could be a named that features in the search. However, Malhotra could also be on the Vancouver Canucks radar. Seravalli also put out the name Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern. However, the Canucks haven’t gotten a request from the Leafs.
Friedman mentioned that in-demand NCAA coach David Carle would get a look if he showed interest in the post. Carle is building a winner at Denver University and has dealt with plenty of young players that have NHL-level talent. TSN’s Darren Dreger brought up the point about Carle’s family and if they were willing to move away from a situation they’ve known for years.
It seems that the Maple Leafs are casting a very wide net to find their next bench boss. MLSE is going to take its time and due its homework before deciding what direction they will go. The move is going to scrutinized and criticized regardless of who Toronto takes. However, one thing the Leafs won’t be accused of is rushing into a decision.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
