{"id":72029,"date":"2026-06-02T23:18:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T23:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/72029\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T23:18:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T23:18:20","slug":"maple-leafs-news-rumours-coaching-surprise-marlies-battle-re-thinking-the-draft-the-hockey-writers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/72029\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Coaching Surprise, Marlies Battle & Re-thinking the Draft? – The Hockey Writers –"},"content":{"rendered":"

A lot is going on with the Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>. The coaching search continues to drift without a clear frontrunner. The organization\u2019s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, are grinding through a tough playoff series. At the same time, the draft conversation is circling what should be a very simple decision at the top of the board. In typical Maple Leafs fashion, nothing is ever boring, even when it probably should be.<\/p>\n

Maple Leafs\u2019 Coaching Search Might End With a Surprise<\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs coaching search has already taken a few unexpected turns, and the longer it drags out, the less predictable it becomes. A few names that have been circulating the conversations for weeks are no longer in the running. David Carle has opted to stay at the University of Denver.<\/a> Manny Malhotra has taken the job with the Vancouver Canucks. And early indications suggest Toronto doesn\u2019t have much interest in Jay Woodcroft<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"JohnIs Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka playing the coaching season quietly?
(Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

What stands out most is that the Maple Leafs aren\u2019t rushing the decision. That can mean a couple of things. On the one hand, it could mean a careful, methodical search by general manager John Chayka and his team as they try to avoid another high-pressure mistake. On the other hand, it might suggest they\u2019re waiting on something else to open up \u2014 a higher-end option becoming available later in the cycle. The third option is that this new leadership group has taken a more silent approach and is doing it well.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where names like Jared Bednar<\/a>, Bruce Cassidy, and even Peter Laviolette continue to surface in speculation. The point is that there\u2019s nothing concrete tying them to Toronto, and there doesn\u2019t seem to be a clear \u201cleader\u201d in the race. That\u2019s what makes things interesting. Right now, it\u2019s hard to get a read on what\u2019s driving the search.<\/p>\n

Marlies Drop Game 3 but Still Hold Series Lead<\/p>\n

The Marlies ran into a bit of a reality check in the AHL playoffs, dropping a 5\u20133 decision<\/a> to the Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton Penguins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Final. After winning three straight on the road \u2014 including a strong push to open the series \u2014 this was one of those classic \u201cback home, things tighten up\u201d games.<\/p>\n

It was competitive through two periods, tied 2\u20132 heading into the third, but the Penguins took control with two quick goals midway through the final frame. The Marlies did push back late, cutting the deficit to one with the goalie pulled, but an immediate empty-net response ended the comeback hopes. Even in defeat, the Marlies generated offence from all over the lineup, with eight different players recording points, though they couldn\u2019t consistently solve Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov despite firing 39 shots on net.<\/p>\n

\"ArturArtur Akhtyamov, Toronto Maple Leafs (Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images)<\/p>\n

The good news is that they still lead the series 2\u20131 heading into Game 4 on home ice. Head coach John Gruden has already framed the next game as a \u201cmust-win,\u201d which probably isn\u2019t much of an exaggeration. The decisions are now getting more interesting, too. Should the Marlies stay with Artur Akhtyamov in net, who has been excellent but has carried a heavy workload, or turn to Dennis Hildeby? Add in the ongoing uncertainty around Easton Cowan\u2019s injury status, and Game 4 becomes a pivot point in the series.<\/p>\n

McKenna Feels Like the Obvious Choice for the Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs have the first overall pick, and the conversation around Gavin McKenna is already settling down. He won\u2019t generate the usual draft-day chaos. He\u2019s been near the top of rankings all year, and more importantly, he\u2019s backing it up with production and consistency at a high level.<\/p>\n

At Penn State, McKenna posted 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games as a freshman, immediately stepping into a major role against older, more physically mature competition. That\u2019s early evidence that his game translates. When you combine that with widespread interest and multiple joint meetings, it starts to look less like a debate and more like consensus-building.<\/p>\n

\"GavinGavin McKenna, Penn State (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

For Toronto, this is the kind of decision you don\u2019t want to overthink. The team doesn\u2019t need a swing-for-the-fences pick or a complicated draft-day story. They need a foundational piece that can eventually slot into a core and grow into it without years of second-guessing. McKenna fits that description. And he\u2019s there at No. 1. This is a case where the simplest answer should be the right one.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for the Maple Leafs?<\/p>\n

So where does that leave everything? The Maple Leafs are sitting in an unusual spot with no clear coaching direction. The good news is that the Marlies are fighting through a playoff series, and the top draft pick is theirs. <\/p>\n

McKenna actually is the easiest decision they\u2019ve had in a while. Nothing is settled, and that\u2019s really the theme here. The coaching search will reveal itself and might be a total surprise. The Marlies are one game away from shifting momentum again. And McKenna has already said he\u2019d be happy to join Toronto<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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