The Toronto Maple Leafs fired head coach Craig Berube last week following a disappointing season. The Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division with a 32-36-14 record.
In Berube’s first season with the team, they posted an impressive 108 points and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. In addition to Berube, the Maple Leafs also parted ways with GM Brad Treliving after the season and replaced him with John Chayka.
The team is now actively searching for a new head coach. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, one name that has surfaced is Jay Woodcroft. However, Pagnotta noted that the Leafs would first need to request permission to speak with him, and as of now, they have not yet done so with the Anaheim Ducks.
“As Toronto continues to map out its search for a new Head Coach, one prospective candidate believed to be on their radar is Jay Woodcroft. The Leafs will need permission to speak with him, but as of today, they have not yet requested it from Anaheim,” Pagnotta wrote on X.
Craig Berube served as the coach of the Maple Leafs for two seasons, posting an 84-62-18 record. Jay Woodcroft, meanwhile, is currently serving as an assistant for the Anaheim Ducks. He also previously served as the bench boss of the Edmonton Oilers.
Maple Leafs linked to Denver University coach David Carle as Berube’s replacement
Another name that has surfaced as a potential replacement for Craig Berube is University of Denver head coach David Carle.
According to reports, the Maple Leafs have already made initial contact with Carle’s management, though nothing has been finalized. Insider Andy Strickland believes Carle is likely to stay with Denver.
“Would be surprised to see David Carle leave Denver for the Maple Leafs head coaching job. Don’t see it,” Strickland wrote on X.
Meanwhile, insider Elliotte Friedman stated that the Leafs are expected to resume talks with Carle soon:
“Someone that they’re interested in is David Carle. I think there’s been some early contact there and I think they’re gonna talk again.”
As of today, the Maple Leafs are still weighing their options for Berube’s replacement, with no name finalized yet. The Maple Leafs have also won this year’s NHL Draft Lottery, and fans can expect the team to have a new coach before the NHL Draft next month.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta