Kings Swoop In, Steal Coach from Under Maple Leafs’ Noses?

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have had their next head coach lined up — and lost him over the weekend. At least, that’s the report according to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, who said he had sources tell him the Maple Leafs had made their coaching decision.

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Peter Laviolette is now the new head coach of the Los Angeles Kings on a three-year deal. But according to NHL insider Nick Kypreos, Laviolette was all but a done deal in Toronto just days earlier.

“I was told on Friday that Laviolette was going to be the next coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Kypreos revealed. “He was spotted in town, and I would imagine that L.A. did some fast talking on Saturday or Sunday. We could’ve been looking at a press conference on Monday or Tuesday.”

The 61-year-old Laviolette had been a high-profile candidate for multiple vacancies this offseason, with both Toronto and the Edmonton Oilers also expressing interest. He had even publicly signaled his desire to coach the Leafs, appearing on Leafs Morning Take in May and comparing the Toronto job to coaching the Dallas Cowboys or New York Yankees.

One would have to wonder then, if he knew Toronto was offering the gig, why would he jump to the Kings? Perhaps Ken Holland upped the offer or provided a more attractive incentive.

For the Kings, landing Laviolette represents a major swing after a turbulent season. Los Angeles fired Jim Hiller in March, with interim coach D.J. Smith guiding the team into the playoffs before they were swept in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche. While some have knocked his coaching history looking like a game of musical chairs, Laviolette brings one of the most decorated résumés in the game — 846 career wins, a Stanley Cup title with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, and three Finals appearances across six franchises. Los Angeles will make seven.

Are The Maple Leafs Starting Back at Square One?

For Toronto, the setback might feel like it sends GM John Chayka’s search back to square one — or close to it. However, the organization has reported speaking with more than 50 candidates and seriously considering more than 20.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports the Leafs have advanced to in-person interviews, with roughly five candidates still under consideration. Joe Pavelski has emerged as a name to watch, though the organization is said to prefer a candidate with more established coaching experience.

Next: What If the Maple Leafs and Canucks Dared to Think Really Big?