Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Shaw, Danford, Thrun, Eakins, Pavelski, Cassidy & Gruden

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the offseason doesn’t really begin when the Toronto Maple Leafs are finished playing. It begins when everyone starts looking for clues about what’s next.

Sometimes those clues come from the NHL roster. Sometimes they come from management. And sometimes they come from the American Hockey League (AHL), where the Toronto Marlies are helping future Maple Leafs learn how to win meaningful hockey games. Right now, the Marlies are giving Maple Leafs fans plenty to watch as they battle in the Calder Cup Final.

At the same time, the organization continues its search for a new head coach. The list of candidates seems to be growing rather than shrinking, and that might tell us something about how carefully the organization is approaching one of the biggest decisions of the summer.

Logan Shaw Continues to Be the Marlies’ Heartbeat

Marlies captain Logan Shaw delivered another huge performance in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Final, scoring twice, including the overtime winner, in a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Wolves. After the game, Marlies head coach John Gruden offered perhaps the strongest endorsement a coach can give a player. “He is our pulse. He is the heartbeat of this team,” Gruden said.

The praise wasn’t just about Shaw’s offence. Gruden pointed to his leadership, penalty killing, faceoff work, and ability to deliver in big moments. That’s the kind of player every winning team needs.

What’s interesting is how often organizations talk about culture, leadership, and accountability. In Shaw’s case, those aren’t just words. According to Gruden, Shaw is setting the standard for the entire room. With the Marlies now holding a 2-0 series lead, his influence appears to be showing up everywhere. If you’re a fan of hockey, there’s part of you that hopes someone sees what Shaw is doing and gives him an NHL job, even if it’s not the Maple Leafs.

Ben Danford and Henry Thrun Continue to Grow

One of the most encouraging developments for the Maple Leafs organization has been the continued growth of young defenceman Ben Danford. The 2024 first-round pick has been playing important minutes throughout the playoffs and appears increasingly comfortable in high-pressure situations.

Gruden praised Danford’s pairing with Marshall Rifai, noting that both players skate well, move the puck effectively, and are difficult to play against. That’s exactly the type of development fans should want to hear about. Toronto has spent considerable time improving its organizational depth on defence, and Danford continues to make meaningful strides.

Another defenceman drawing praise is Henry Thrun. While he may not receive as much attention as some of the organization’s higher-profile young players, Gruden described him as a complete player capable of contributing in all situations. His skating, competitiveness, shot-blocking, and defensive awareness have stood out throughout the playoffs. The more experience these young defencemen gain in meaningful games, the better positioned the Maple Leafs will be in the years ahead.

The Coaching Search Appears Far From Finished

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs continue their search for a new head coach, and the list of potential candidates remains intriguing. According to Darren Dreger, Dallas Eakins is among the finalists for the position. Dreger has also reported that Patrick Roy and former NHL star Joe Pavelski remain in the mix. Pavelski recently confirmed there have been discussions with the organization and said he is excited to see where the process leads.

Then there is Bruce Cassidy. Some observers have suggested the organization may be wise to wait until all Stanley Cup Final business is officially complete before making a decision. Now that the Stanley Cup Final has concluded with the Carolina Hurricanes’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, the team may have more flexibility in their timing. Cassidy’s name continues to surface whenever coaching vacancies are discussed, and many fans would undoubtedly be interested if he became available.

As I noted in Sunday’s column, there is also an internal candidate worth watching. Gruden recently stated that he has not spoken with the Maple Leafs about the opening but believes he is ready to coach at the NHL level. Given the success he has enjoyed with the Marlies this season, it would not be surprising if his name receives serious consideration. Gruden is one of those coaches who seems to just love being a teacher. As I reported on Sunday, when asked about the job, he said he had no aspirations for the NHL; he’s probably in his perfect position right now.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

If there is a theme connecting all of these stories, it is that the Maple Leafs are still trying to build something sustainable. The Marlies’ success isn’t just about winning a Calder Cup. It’s about developing leaders like Shaw and youngsters like Danford and Thrun. At the same time, the coaching search isn’t simply about filling a vacancy. It’s about deciding what the next version of the Maple Leafs should look like.

That’s why the coming weeks will be so important. The organization has young players developing, veterans making decisions about their futures, and a coaching search that could shape the franchise’s direction for years. For now, fans should keep one eye on the Marlies and the other on the coaching carousel. Both may have a significant impact on what comes next in Toronto.