Hockey

Maple Leafs Seek Fresh Face as Cassidy Unlikely to Coach Next Season

by
William Caldwell
May 15, 2026

The Toronto Maple Leafs are embarking on a new chapter after parting ways with coach Craig Berube on Wednesday. General Manager John Chayka, along with the team’s leadership, is now on the hunt for a new head coach as they look to reshape their coaching staff.

Among the names swirling in the conversation is former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, who has been widely viewed as a top candidate for the position. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman cast doubt on Cassidy’s likelihood of becoming the Maple Leafs’ 42nd head coach during a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast.

“I do think (Toronto will) reach out to talk to Cassidy,” Friedman noted. “But… I’d say it’s extremely unlikely he’s going to end up being the guy in Toronto.” This statement indicates a shift in the organization’s approach as they consider their options for the upcoming season.

Friedman elaborated on the Maple Leafs’ potential direction, suggesting they are inclined to explore fresh coaching talent. He stated, “I do think they are prepared to go fresh,” which aligns with the sentiment expressed by TSN’s Darren Dreger the previous evening on OverDrive. Dreger highlighted that the team could be looking for someone who is “young and relatively inexperienced from a professional perspective.”

A strong candidate that fits this description is Manny Malhotra, the head coach of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. Friedman described Malhotra as a “very legitimate candidate,” while also mentioning other potential names such as Jay Woodcroft and David Carle, should he express interest. Additionally, John Gruden, currently leading the Toronto Marlies to success in the Calder Cup playoffs, has emerged as another viable option.

While the Maple Leafs appear to be steering clear of established veteran coaches like Cassidy, the search for a new head coach is an exciting opportunity for the organization to reinvent itself and bring in fresh ideas as they prepare for the next season.

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

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.