Maple Leafs Coaching Search Heats Up as Unexpected Front-Runner Emerges

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ search for their next head coach took a significant step forward Wednesday, with Anaheim Ducks assistant Jay Woodcroft scheduled to interview for the position this week. Multiple sources, including Frank Seravalli, report that the 49-year-old Toronto native is viewed as “one of the front-runners” for the job.

The Ducks granted the Maple Leafs permission to speak with Woodcroft, who also interviewed with the Los Angeles Kings last week. He is considered a strong bet to land an NHL head coaching position for the 2026-27 season, regardless of the outcome in Toronto.

According to reports, the Leafs have interviewed as many as 20 candidates so far, with most interviews held via Zoom. Management, led by GM John Chayka, is expected to shift its focus next week to the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo before resuming the process with in-person interviews for a small group of finalists.

Woodcroft, a Toronto-born coach, previously served as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, guiding them to the 2022 Western Conference Final. He is currently an assistant coach of the Anaheim Ducks. He has experience working with elite players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and has been recently helping push forward a group of younger talent trying to take the next step in their NHL evolution.

Woodcroft is also reportedly a favorite for the job with the Kings.

Maple Leafs Interviewing Other Candidates

Other names linked to the search include University of Denver head coach David Carle, former Red Wings bench boss Derek Lalonde (currently a Leafs assistant), and potentially names like Bruce Cassidy, Peter Laviolette, and Kris Knoblauch.

The Leafs relieved Craig Berube of his duties earlier this offseason after a disappointing playoff exit. The organization is seeking a fresh voice capable of pushing a star-studded roster — built around Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner — deeper into the postseason.

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