Devils will grant Peter DeBoer permission to talk to Maple Leafs about coaching vacancy

Recently fired New Jersey Devils head coach Peter DeBoer has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs in rumors for months. That speculation is poised to heat up even further with the club's decision this week to fire Randy Carlyle.

For what it's worth, Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello would not stand in the way were the Maple Leafs to express interest in DeBoer.

"No question we would never change our philosophy," Lamoriello told Rich Chere of NJ.com on Tuesday, referring to his stance of always allowing coaches to take jobs with rival NHL member clubs.

As for whether or not the Maple Leafs have approached the Devils and asked for permission to interview DeBoer, Lamoriello wouldn't provide any insight.

"I would never answer that," the veteran general manager said.