Everything Maple Leafs Coaching Buzz: Latest Rumblings

When it comes to coaching news around the NHL, there is no shortage of speculation. Several teams are looking and interviewing, as are the Toronto Maple Leafs. They recently fired Craig Berube and are searching for a new bench boss. All the while, former coaches (both recent and not-so recent) have made headlines.

Here is everything I’m hearing about the Maple Leafs and their coaching drama.

Maple Leafs Casting Very Wide Net

The Maple Leafs will interview several candidates to be their next head coach. In fact, insider Elliotte Friedman figures there will be so many names tied to this search that naming them all would be a pointless exercise.

The team will consider experienced coaches, rookie bench bosses, and anything in between.

David Carle Unsure if He Wants Maple Leafs Gig

University of Denver head coach David Carle stands out as a potential fit for the Maple Leafs because he doesn’t appear to be actively chasing an NHL job. Sources have indicated that he’s not eager to jump if the Maple Leafs offer him a job, but that Toronto is keen to interview him.

Carle already has stability and success at Denver. Elliotte Friedman noted, “He’s passed on NHL opportunities before, largely because of family considerations. He has a young family and an excellent situation at the University of Denver, where he can stay as long as he wants. Most people believe he’ll eventually make the jump to the NHL, but the biggest question is whether this is the right time for his family to do it.”

One thing he’s not looking for is to join a team with a history of coaching turnover.

Derek Lalonde to Get An Interview?

David Alter of The Hockey News reports that the Maple Leafs will interview assistant coach Derek Lalonde for head coach opening. He writes, “Lalonde joined the Maple Leafs last summer after associate coach Lane Lambert departed Toronto to become the new head coach of the Seattle Kraken. While Lalonde led the club’s penalty kill, Toronto finished eighth in the NHL with an 81.2 percent efficiency. But defensively, the Leafs struggled all season long, and defense fell under his purview as well.”

He mentioned that Lalonde was considered as a potential interim option last season when there was consideration for relieving Berube of his duties in 2025-26.

Don’t Expect Manny Malhotra to Join Maple Leafs

There was some buzz that the Maple Leafs would like to talk to Manny Malhotra, but it appears he’s the frontrunner to land the head coaching job in Vancouver. If the Canucks aren’t going to hire him immediately, there is a chance he may interview in Toronto, but Vancouver may hire him prior to that being a realistic option.

TSN’s Farhan Lalji reports, “No other teams have asked for permission yet to speak to him yet.”

Maple Leafs Not Among Teams to Request Interview with Cassidy

While the Vegas Golden Knights confirmed that teams have reached out in an effort to interview Bruce Cassidy, the Maple Leafs are reportedly not among them. Vegas didn’t say who contacted them, but the belief is that Edmonton and Los Angeles were the two teams told that anything would have to wait until after the playoffs.

As wide a net as the Leafs are casting, it is not believed that they feel Cassidy would be the right fit for where this team is at.

Craig Berube to Interview with the Oilers

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug was the first to break the news that the Edmonton Oilers were granted permission to conduct a formal interview with former Leafs coach Craig Berube. There was some initial conversation between him and Bowman. The Oilers will go through the interview process while they await permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy as well.

It is believed that Berube, an Alberta native, has a real interest in the opportunity if presented to him.

Mike Babcock To Return to NHL as a Coach?

On the May 19 edition of Oilers Now, host Bob Stauffer asked former NHL GM, player, and agent Brian Lawton if Mike Babcock is a realistic option to return to the NHL, and specifically with the Oilers.

Lawton responded, “I would think so,” suggesting that the Oilers have a history of giving second chances, which includes current GM Stan Bowman. If anyone might be open to the idea, it’s Bowman, who would be hypocritical if he didn’t at least consider it. “Someone with Stan’s background would certainly have a lot of thoughts about that,” said Lawton.

He added, “(Stan) has gotten a second chance. I don’t think that was anything necessarily given. I think Stan worked at it. I think he deserved to get a second chance. Can I say that about Mike? I know Mike, and I really like him. I think he’s a good human being.”