Bruce Boudreau A Candidate to Join Maple Leafs Coaching Staff

Recent reports suggest that veteran head coach Bruce Boudreau is a candidate to join the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff as an assistant under current coach Sheldon Keefe.

According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Leafs asked the Wild for permission to talk to Bruce Boudreau at some point during the last few months and while a meeting did not take place, there is talk he’s shown interest in the idea. Specifically, he’s “intrigued” by the possibility of coaching for his hometown team.

Why Bruce Boudreau is a candidate to join the Maple Leafs coaching staff. | @mirtle https://t.co/QHZyKyYdSQ

— The Athletic Toronto (@TheAthleticTO) August 20, 2020

Last week, the Maple Leafs removed Paul McFarland and Andrew Brewer from the coaching staff. As such, they are in the market for a replacement. Boudreau has gained a lot of steam in the conversation because Sheldon Keefe has been highly involved in the interview process and is hoping to add a member of the staff that he would see as a mentor.

Boudreau Is Still Hoping to Land Head Coaching Gig

Speculation is that Boudreau to the Leafs is his Plan B. Talk is that he’d still like to land a head coaching job before considering an assistant position. Mirtle writes:

Boudreau’s preference is for another chance – likely his last, given his age – as an NHL head coach. But it could be a crowded landscape this off-season in that department, with Gerard Gallant, Mike Babcock and Peter Laviolette all available and believed to be willing to come back.

In short, competition for jobs will be fierce and that makes Boudreau to the Maple Leafs a real possibility. And, that the Leafs “have spoken extensively about experience being important,” there’s probably good money in it for Boudreau. In fact, Mirtle writes, “The role would also likely make whoever accepted it the highest-paid assistant coach in the league.”

Boudreau Has Ties to Toronto

Boudreau is a local to the Toronto area and reports are he’s always kept a keen eye on his hometown team. He was a Leafs third-round pick in 1975 and played 134 games for the franchise in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

"Once you're a Leaf fan, you are always a Leaf fan"

– Bruce Boudreau pic.twitter.com/8XiFPHdQtL

— Nick DeSouza (@NickDeSouza_) August 14, 2020

Some have suggested Boudreau hasn’t been shy about discussing his dreams Toronto win the Stanley Cup, or acknowledging that he’s a mainstream media kind of guy who has no issue with the spotlight. And, of course, there’s always a draw to Toronto for some of the game’s biggest names.

Remember too, Boudreau is not the kind of guy to be out of work long. His most lengthy absence from a coaching job is about one week. And, he’s not been shy about saying he’s not enjoying having time off right now.

Next: Senators Comment On Rumors They’ll Trade Up For First Overall Pick