Are the Maple Leafs and Oilers Waiting on the Same Top Head Coach?

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are reportedly keeping a close eye on a potential coaching shakeup in Colorado as they continue their respective searches for a new bench boss. Both the Oilers and Maple Leafs need a head coach. Both are running into issues trying to find the best candidate. In Toronto, GM John Chayka and advisor Mats Sundin are interviewing practically everyone. In Edmonton, GM Stan Bowman wants a proven winner.

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According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Toronto and Edmonton are monitoring the situation involving Jared Bednar and the Colorado Avalanche following their disappointing playoff exit. Bednar is on the hot seat, and Colorado is potentially interested in bringing in University of Denver head coach David Carle. The Leafs would like Carle, but he doesn’t seem keen to leave the area for family reasons. If Colorado is looking for a change and Carle is open to coming to the NHL, the timing could be right for a move, leaving Bednar open to interview.

While Bednar still has time left on his contract (and the Avs would have to grant permission), it seems likely Colorado wouldn’t pull a Vegas, and block him from talking to other teams. The Oilers have already dealt with some drama in that regard as Edmonton has shown their interest in Bruce Cassidy, but Vegas has made things challenging on that front. If Bednar became available, Edmonton might be as excited to go that route as they seem to be about talking to Cassidy.

Pagnotta adds that the Los Angeles Kings are also expected to join the mix.

However, if Bednar becomes available, the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be aggressive. Bednar’s Stanley Cup pedigree, up-tempo system, and ability to balance structure with offensive freedom make him an appealing fit for a core built around Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

For Toronto, the situation is less about urgency and more about timing. The organization appears to be moving deliberately through its coaching search, and while they’ve spoken to several candidates, they’ve surprisingly chosen not to speak to others. That suggests they are looking for a certain type of coach. Many believe the Maple Leafs could “pounce” quickly if a proven winner like Bednar hits the market.

Meanwhile, Edmonton continues to scramble after the Cassidy situation blew up in their face. They were accused of leaking the denial of the interview by Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon, which led to the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch. The Oilers have not commented on that accusation, but they find themselves in a situation now where they need a quality coach who has won before, and have Knoblauch on the books for three more seasons.

If they could land Bednar (should he become available), it would scratch a major to-do off their list.

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