Three Head Coach Candidates for the Maple Leafs Worth Considering

As the Toronto Maple Leafs seek a new head coach following the dismissal of Craig Berube, the search reflects a familiar pattern in the NHL: a mix of candidates emerging from the coaching carousel. Typically, veteran coaches who find themselves on the hot seat quickly secure new positions, as seen with Peter DeBoer, who was fired by the Dallas Stars last offseason and subsequently hired by the New York Islanders. This offseason, Bruce Cassidy also fits the bill after his tenure with the Vegas Golden Knights.

However, with the Maple Leafs not viewed as immediate Stanley Cup contenders after missing the postseason last year, General Manager John Chayka may opt for a fresh approach in his head coaching search. Here, we spotlight three candidates who, while not seasoned veterans, possess valuable experience and deserve another chance to lead an NHL team.

Jay Woodcroft, who served as an assistant coach for the Anaheim Ducks this past season, played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive resurgence. Under his guidance, the Ducks showcased significant improvement, particularly on the power play, thanks to the development of young stars like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke. Before his time in Anaheim, Woodcroft was the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers for parts of three seasons, leading them to a notable 50-23-9 record and a 109-point finish in 2022-23. His experience managing superstars such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could translate well to working with Maple Leafs stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Additionally, Woodcroft’s roots in Toronto make him a compelling candidate for the position.

Dean Evason brings a wealth of experience to the table, having coached 378 regular-season games over parts of seven seasons with both the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets. Evason’s journey began with the Wild, where he succeeded Bruce Boudreau and led the team to the playoffs in every campaign except for the troubled 2023-24 season, which ended with his firing after a 5-10-4 start. His subsequent stint with the Blue Jackets saw him guide the team to a respectable fourth-place finish in the Metropolitan Division, narrowly missing the playoffs by just two points. Despite the challenges, Evason’s ability to inspire his teams, particularly after the loss of star player Johnny Gaudreau, demonstrates his coaching potential.

Lastly, Drew Bannister’s time as head coach of the St. Louis Blues was brief but impactful. Serving as the interim head coach after Berube’s firing, Bannister led the Blues to a commendable 30-19-5 record over his 54 games. His tenure ended when Jim Montgomery became available, leading to Bannister’s dismissal just 22 games into the following season. Prior to his NHL coaching experience, Bannister achieved success in the AHL with the Springfield Thunderbirds, steering them to a Calder Cup final appearance in 2021-22. His ability to foster talent at the AHL level could bode well for an NHL opportunity.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.