Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Chayka, Rielly, Raddysh, Koblar & Akhtyamov

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to move through a fascinating offseason. While much of the attention has focused on the search for a new head coach, several other storylines are bubbling behind the scenes. What’s the future of Morgan Rielly? What surprises are the Maple Leafs seeing at the World Championship and Calder Cup Playoffs? What might these mean for the organization’s prospect pipeline?

None of these situations seems close to being resolved. The coaching search is moving slowly, the Maple Leafs have not yet had serious discussions with Rielly, and a couple of young players are helping management consider the team’s depth.

Here’s a look at three big stories surrounding Toronto as May comes to a close.

Maple Leafs Taking Their Time With Coaching Search

If Maple Leafs fans were expecting a coaching announcement shortly after Craig Berube’s dismissal, they need to be patient. More than two weeks have passed since general manager John Chayka fired Berube, but there’s little indication that the organization is in any rush. Rumours have swirled around several candidates, including Anaheim Ducks assistant Jay Woodcroft, but Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman recently noted that Toronto hasn’t requested permission to speak with him.

That lines up with what Chayka said immediately after Berube’s firing. He called the hiring of the next coach the most important decision he would make as the team’s general manager and stressed that the process would take time. While speculation continues to fill the vacuum, there is growing evidence that the organization’s search is wide-ranging and a quick decision simply isn’t in the wind.

The NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo could create opportunities for discussions and meetings, but for now, there is no sign that a coaching announcement is imminent. That may frustrate some fans, but given the importance of the hire, patience could prove beneficial (from ‘On the Maple Leafs’ Coaching Search, Morgan Rielly and Tinus Luc Koblar,’ Toronto Sun, May 29, 2026).

Morgan Rielly’s Future Remains Unclear

While coaching rumours dominate headlines, another major question continues to linger in the background: What comes next for Morgan Rielly? The veteran defenceman is currently representing Canada at the World Championship and has reportedly been given space to focus on the tournament before engaging in any serious discussions regarding his future with the Maple Leafs. That approach appears unchanged.

Rielly has four years remaining on his contract at a $7.5 million cap hit and owns a full no-movement clause for the next two seasons. Any decision involving Rielly would therefore require cooperation from both player and team. Replacing Rielly would be far easier on paper than in reality. His defensive shortcomings have been debated for years, but he continues to play more than 22 minutes per game and has been one of the organization’s most important players for over a decade. Players who can handle those minutes do not grow on trees.

If management ultimately concludes that a fresh start would benefit both sides, it will need a well-developed contingency plan. Adding a free agent such as Darren Raddysh could help improve depth, but it would not fully replace what Rielly brings to the lineup.

The fact that William Nylander has publicly stated his desire to remain in Toronto and that discussions with Auston Matthews have reportedly been positive suggests the team is trying to maintain stability among its core players. Whether Rielly remains part of that core should become clearer shortly after the World Championship concludes.

Two Maple Leafs Prospects Are Changing the Conversation

For years, one of the most common criticisms of the Maple Leafs has been their lack of high-end prospect depth. Recent performances suggest that narrative may deserve another look. Forward Tinus Luc Koblar has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the World Championship. The 2025 second-round pick has scored six goals and added three assists in eight games for Norway.

What’s particularly notable is that Koblar is only 18 years old. His success follows a strong showing at the World Junior Division 1 tournament earlier this season. Both these successes are evidence that Toronto might have a legitimate prospect with top-six upside.

Meanwhile, goaltender Artur Akhtyamov helped the Toronto Marlies earn a 2-1 overtime victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday night. He’s done nothing but continue to strengthen his case as one of the organization’s most intriguing youngsters. His outstanding play has helped push the Marlies deep into the Calder Cup Playoffs, posting a .924 save percentage through his first dozen postseason appearances.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

The next few weeks could shape the direction of the franchise. Chayka’s coaching search remains the organization’s top priority, but the club’s expanding prospect pool is not far behind. If Koblar and Akhtyamov continue their impressive development trajectories, Toronto may find itself in a stronger long-term position than many observers expected.

At the same time, the organization still faces difficult choices regarding roster construction, leadership, and the future of several key veterans. For now, the coaching search remains front and center.