As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a new head coach, one name that once seemed far-fetched is beginning to warrant legitimate discussion. Patrick Roy, the Hall of Fame goaltender and former New York Islanders bench boss has reportedly emerged as a candidate in Toronto’s coaching search.
Among those intrigued by the proposition is sports broadcaster Sid Seixeiro, who recently admitted the idea may have more merit than he initially believed.
Speaking about the prospect of Patrick Roy as the new Maple Leafs HC, Seixeiro pointed to a factor that goes beyond conventional tactics.
“If you make Patrick Roy the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs entering this era where the Habs are gonna be consistent (title contenders), who in the Leafs organization will be more motivated to beat Montreal than Patrick Roy,” Seixeiro said.
For a generation of hockey fans, Patrick Roy remains synonymous with the Montreal Canadiens. A legend of the franchise, Roy guided his former side to two Stanley Cup championships by fending off any danger in goal.
The idea of seeing him on the opposite side of arguably hockey’s most storied rivalry seemed unthinkable not long ago. But with the Maple Leafs looking for a new head coach, it might just come to fruition.
The emotional connection is what Seixeiro believes makes the possibility even more intriguing.
“There’s an element to that, that sings to me, if I’m a Maple Leafs fan,” Seixeiro continued. “This has more legs than I thought it would have.”
After reaching the Eastern Conference Final this season, Montreal is increasingly being viewed as a team capable of contending for years to come thanks to its young core of superstars.
That proposition could add another layer of significance to Toronto’s coaching decision as it looks to fill in the void left by former HC Craig Berube.
Elliotte Friedman offers insight on Patrick Roy’s interview with Canadiens
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman while appearing on the “The Fan” reported that Patrick Roy has already interviewed with the Maple Leafs and left a favorable impression.
“I hear Patrick Roy interviewed really well. The word on the street is that Roy’s interview was really good. So I think he’s legit,” Friedman said.
Roy was recently sacked in early April by the New York Islanders after 197 games in charge. The Islanders ended the season with a 42-31-5 record. Before the Islanders gig, Patrick Roy coached the Colorado Avalanche for three seasons and even won the Jack Adams Award for best coach back in 2014.
Edited by Shivayan Roy