2 Veteran Options Linked to Maple Leafs as Coaching Search Intensifies

It isn’t a massive surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coach search has seen a ton of rumors and interest in the job. Leading the Leafs is seen as one of the most prestigious jobs in hockey, and rookie head coaches like David Carle and Manny Malhotra, along with veteran options like Bruce Cassidy, have been some names that insiders are kicking around as potential replacements.

With Malhotra off the market and Carle reportedly staying in the NCAA, two veterans, Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette, are in the mix for the job, according to Darren Dreger via X, formerly Twitter.

The Maple Leafs’ search is intensifying as the draft quickly approaches. While John Chayka isn’t rushing into any decisions, it seems like a wise move to have the bench in place before drafting the future of their franchise at first overall, and looking to improve the team in free agency. If Toronto wants to contend next season, they will need to make some moves and know who will lead the team to do that effectively.

Roy and Laviolette Are Interesting Options for Maple Leafs’ Head Coach

Roy’s messaging fizzled out with the New York Islanders, as it seemed like the players started to tune him out towards the end of his tenure. It isn’t the first time it has happened in Roy’s coaching career, and it seems risky to put him in charge of players who haven’t handled that kind of approach well before. While seeing the former Montreal Canadiens legend coach the Maple Leafs would be intriguing, it could go south quickly.

Laviolette is another coach who can have an immediate impact on a roster, but could see his players begin to tune him out. He led the New York Rangers to the 2024 Eastern Conference Final in his first season in charge, but missed the playoffs the next season and was eventually replaced by Mike Sullivan. Laviolette is a former Stanley Cup Champion with the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes, but hasn’t been able to get over the hump since.

While the Maple Leafs see value in bringing in a younger head coach, the pressures of the market could be better served by someone of Roy or Laviolette’s ilk.

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