Pavelski a Finalist in Maple Leafs Head Coaching Hiring Process

Joe Pavelski is more than just a candidate to be the next head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s a finalist. Considering one of the top five choices remaining as the Leafs go through their interview process, it sounds like Pavelski is getting serious consideration for the role, which would be an interesting choice given he has no NHL coaching experience.

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“I don’t know what this last group is going to be, what the number [of finalists] is going to be, three, five, whatever it is,” Elliotte Friedman said on The Fan Hockey Show. “But I think Pavelski is gonna be one of them. Based on what I’ve been told, I’m sure he’s going to be one of them.”

TSN and ESPN insider Pierre LeBrun also reported that Pavelski has impressed and that the Maple Leafs are seriously considering him for the job.

“It’s been confirmed to me in the last few minutes that Joe Pavelski is among those five remaining candidates that are scheduled for in-person interviews with the Maple Leafs today,” LeBrun told TSN’s Overdrive. “We know Peter Laviolette is out, being the head coach in LA today, but Pavelski is among those five final candidates for the Toronto job, is what I’ve been told.”

This doesn’t mean he’ll get the job. Jay Woodcroft is also considered a heavy favorite for the position. However, the fact that Pavelski has gotten this far means one of two things: he’s either done a great job making the Maple Leafs believe he can handle the responsibilities, or the Leafs are working from a small pool of available options.

Is Pavelski the Right Fit for the Maple Leafs?

The thought might be that Toronto might be looking for the next Martin St. Louis. He came into Montreal with no NHL coaching experience and has done a great job with the Montreal Canadiens. Still, it’s a risk. “I don’t understand how they feel that Joe Pavelski can come from never coaching in his life to coming to this market in Toronto,” said Nick Kypreos. He also argued that the Canadiens have a different roster than the Maple Leafs. The timing was right with the players they have there. In Toronto, things are more stressful and demanding. They’re in win-now mode with several questions yet to be answered. Is this the guy that fits best? Can he handle the spotlight and the pressure of getting it right immediately?

There will be a learning curve if the Leafs go this route. The other option would be to serve as an assistant, but it’s unclear whether he’d be interested in that role.

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