More changes are coming to Toronto next season, as the Maple Leafs fired head coach Craig Berube on Wednesday after missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
The newly minted front office tandem of John Chayka and Mats Sundin faces a crucial decision in finding someone to lead the Leafs back to contention. Here are some options they may consider.
Established candidates
Bruce Cassidy
Cassidy is the presumed top dog in this offseason's coaching carousel following his shocking dismissal from the Golden Knights prior to the playoffs. He guided Vegas to a Stanley Cup in 2023, won the Jack Adams Award in 2020, and led the Boston Bruins to a finals appearance in 2019. He was a part of Canada's staff at the Olympics and unquestionably has the most pedigree of any available candidate.
Toronto should act swiftly if Cassidy is a target, as the Edmonton Oilers reportedly asked to speak with the 60-year-old, though Vegas didn't grant them permission. That makes Cassidy's availability murky, but Vegas' refusal could be a result of the two clubs sharing status as contenders in the Pacific Division.
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Patrick Roy
Roy is probably a long shot after being fired by the New York Islanders, but he's popular enough to remain relevant in the coaching carousel for the foreseeable future. Following an eight-year break from the NHL, Roy guided the Islanders to a 97-78-22 record and one playoff appearance across three seasons. His tendency to attract media attention would present a content gold mine in Toronto, but it may be something the Maple Leafs want to avoid as they seek stability.
Dean Evason
Evason, whom the Columbus Blue Jackets let go in January, would be another retread hire. The club found immediate success after replacing him, so that may impact his standing for vacant coaching gigs. That said, Evason accumulated a .639 points percentage during his tenure with the Minnesota Wild (2020-23) and is known for strong defensive structure, which is a major area of need for the Maple Leafs.
Assistants trending upward
Todd Nelson
Nelson, an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is trending upward after helping the club return to the playoffs this spring. His long track record as an NHL assistant also includes tenures with the Atlanta Thrashers, Oilers, and Dallas Stars, but Nelson is perhaps best known for winning three Calder Cups as an AHL head coach. He served as the Oilers' interim head coach during the 2014-15 campaign, and that team was one of the worst in the league before winning the Connor McDavid lottery. Nelson has remained in the game but hasn't been given a chance as an NHL head coach since.
Jay Woodcroft
Woodcroft is currently an assistant with the Anaheim Ducks but has reportedly been in the mix for several head coaching openings since being fired by the Oilers in 2023. Prior to his dismissal, he registered a 79-41-13 record and oversaw a run to the Western Conference Final. The Toronto native has plenty of experience working with star players, thanks to stints in Edmonton, San Jose, and Detroit.
Would-be first-timers
Jay Leach
Leach, an assistant with the Boston Bruins, was a candidate for their head coaching gig last offseason before they landed on Marco Sturm. Leach previously spent time as head coach of AHL Providence and served as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken before rejoining the Bruins in 2024. He oversees the Bruins' defense in his current role, and Toronto's blue line is expected to be tweaked this offseason. The Leafs were one of the worst defensive teams in the league this year, and Chayka has said the club intends to be aggressive in seeking improvements there. Personnel may be more important, but a defensive-minded coach such as Leach could be attractive.
David Carle
Carle has long been the hottest coaching name outside the NHL and deservedly so after leading Denver to three NCAA titles in five years and Team USA to a pair of gold medals at the world juniors. The 36-year-old has previously been adamant about not making the jump to the big leagues until he's fully ready, but there's no bigger role to be had than head coach of the Maple Leafs. Carle is viewed as a progressive, modern coach, which may align with Chayka's vision for the future.
Misha Donskov
Donskov has flown under the radar as an assistant with the Dallas Stars and Golden Knights over the past few years, but he's recently been thrust into the spotlight after being tabbed as Canada's head coach for the World Championships and world juniors. Although the latter tournament could interfere with his candidacy, his reputation is reportedly growing in NHL circles, and a role with the Maple Leafs may be difficult to resist. Donskov, 49, was a part of Canada's Olympic and 4 Nations Face-Off coaching staffs, and he won a Stanley Cup with Vegas.
Manny Malhotra
Malhotra, an up-and-coming name in coaching circles, won the Calder Cup with the Abbotsford Canucks last year in his first season as head coach. He is from the Toronto area and familiar with the Maple Leafs, whom he previously served as an assistant coach for (2020-24). Malhotra played 16 years in the NHL and was revered as one of the league's top shutdown centers in his prime. His reputation in that regard could help Toronto's defensive issues.
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