{"id":44995,"date":"2026-05-14T14:29:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/44995\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T14:29:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:29:09","slug":"3-potential-head-coach-replacements-for-maple-leafs-the-hockey-writers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/44995\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Potential Head Coach Replacements For Maple Leafs – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The search for a new coach is on for the Toronto Maple Leafs <\/a>after they decided to part ways<\/a> with Craig Berube<\/a>. The decision was made as new general manager <\/a>(GM) John Chayka cited an organizational shift<\/a> and wanted to go in a new direction. <\/p>\n

Now, they have some time before the 2026 NHL Draft in June to interview candidates<\/a> and name a new head coach. So, let\u2019s go over a few potential replacements to lead the new era of Maple Leafs hockey. <\/p>\n

Jay Woodcroft<\/p>\n

First up, Jay Woodcroft<\/a> is going to be one of the names in the mix, mostly because he fits the profile of someone who can manage a roster built around elite offensive players. He had success with the Edmonton Oilers finding that balance between structure and giving star talent room to operate. <\/p>\n

One of the recurring issues here has been how quickly the offence can dry up in playoff series, especially when space disappears and the power play gets crowded. Woodcroft has spent time recently as an assistant with the Anaheim Ducks working on that side of the game. Which could be intriguing for the Maple Leafs, who have struggled for that quite a bit over the last decade. <\/p>\n

In addition, he wouldn\u2019t be walking into this blind. He\u2019s coached under pressure, dealt with expectations in a Canadian market before, and wouldn\u2019t be overwhelmed by the spotlight that comes with this job.<\/p>\n

Manny Malhotra<\/p>\n

Next, Manny Malhotra is an interesting option, and there\u2019s a pretty strong case for him. He\u2019s been coaching Abbotsford in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he just guided them to a Calder Cup last season, and he already has familiarity with the organization from his time as an assistant in Toronto. Where he helped coach the likes of Auston Matthews and William Nylander during the earlier stages of their careers.<\/p>\n

\"MannyManny Malhotra, Abbotsford Canucks Head Coach (Andy Nietupski \/ TTL Sports Media; X: @TTLSports: Instagram: @TTLSportsMedia)<\/p>\n

That connection matters more than people sometimes admit. This isn\u2019t a roster that needs drastically retooled. It\u2019s one that needs clearer structure and more consistent accountability. Malhotra has been around this core, seen where things break down in tight playoff games, and likely has a decent feel for what needs to change, due to his success at the AHL level.<\/p>\n

He is considered to be a detail-oriented coach. Which might sound simple but can actually be a strength in a market where everything tends to get magnified. The question is just whether this is too big of a leap, going from AHL head coach to one of the most scrutinized jobs in hockey.<\/p>\n

Bruce Cassidy<\/p>\n

Lastly, if Toronto wants the most proven name available<\/a>, it\u2019s Bruce Cassidy<\/a>. There\u2019s not really much debate around that. He\u2019s won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights and had sustained success during his time with the Boston Bruins.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s structured, demanding, and not especially interested in managing comfort levels. If a star forward isn\u2019t tracking defensively, he\u2019ll sit them. It\u2019s that straightforward. That edge is part of why he stands out in a discussion like this, especially for a team that has, at times, looked like accountability fades when the pressure spikes. His systems are built for playoff hockey but in a different way than Berube\u2019s were. Cassidy wants tight gaps, disciplined structure, and everything funnelled outside. It isn\u2019t always flashy, but it tends to hold up when games get heavier and space disappears.<\/p>\n

Chayka has a big decision to make with this hiring. Typically, a new GM doesn\u2019t get many chances to fire and hire a coach. So, this is massive. On paper, Cassidy looks like the best option, but there are other viable options like Woodcroft and Malholtra that could benefit the Maple Leafs more. <\/p>\n

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