{"id":89468,"date":"2026-06-15T19:26:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T19:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/89468\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T19:26:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T19:26:43","slug":"toronto-maple-leafs-news-rumours-shaw-danford-thrun-eakins-pavelski-cassidy-gruden-the-hockey-writers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/89468\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Shaw, Danford, Thrun, Eakins, Pavelski, Cassidy & Gruden – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"

One thing I\u2019ve learned over the years is that the offseason doesn\u2019t really begin when the Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> are finished playing. It begins when everyone starts looking for clues about what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n

Sometimes those clues come from the NHL roster. Sometimes they come from management. And sometimes they come from the American Hockey League (AHL), where the Toronto Marlies are helping future Maple Leafs learn how to win meaningful hockey games. Right now, the Marlies are giving Maple Leafs fans plenty to watch as they battle in the Calder Cup Final.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the organization continues its search for a new head coach. The list of candidates seems to be growing rather than shrinking, and that might tell us something about how carefully the organization is approaching one of the biggest decisions of the summer.<\/p>\n

Logan Shaw Continues to Be the Marlies\u2019 Heartbeat<\/p>\n

Marlies captain Logan Shaw<\/a> delivered another huge performance in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Final, scoring twice, including the overtime winner, in a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Chicago Wolves. After the game, Marlies head coach John Gruden offered perhaps the strongest endorsement a coach can give<\/a> a player. \u201cHe is our pulse. He is the heartbeat of this team,\u201d Gruden said. <\/p>\n

The praise wasn\u2019t just about Shaw\u2019s offence. Gruden pointed to his leadership, penalty killing, faceoff work, and ability to deliver in big moments. That\u2019s the kind of player every winning team needs. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s interesting is how often organizations talk about culture, leadership, and accountability. In Shaw\u2019s case, those aren\u2019t just words. According to Gruden, Shaw is setting the standard for the entire room. With the Marlies now holding a 2-0 series lead, his influence appears to be showing up everywhere. If you\u2019re a fan of hockey, there\u2019s part of you that hopes someone sees what Shaw is doing and gives him an NHL job, even if it\u2019s not the Maple Leafs. <\/p>\n

Ben Danford and Henry Thrun Continue to Grow<\/p>\n

One of the most encouraging developments for the Maple Leafs organization has been the continued growth of young defenceman Ben Danford. The 2024 first-round pick has been playing important minutes throughout the playoffs and appears increasingly comfortable in high-pressure situations.<\/p>\n

Gruden praised Danford\u2019s pairing with Marshall Rifai<\/a>, noting that both players skate well, move the puck effectively, and are difficult to play against. That\u2019s exactly the type of development fans should want to hear about. Toronto has spent considerable time improving its organizational depth on defence, and Danford continues to make meaningful strides.<\/p>\n

\"HenryToronto Maple Leafs defenseman Henry Thrun (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Another defenceman drawing praise is Henry Thrun. While he may not receive as much attention as some of the organization\u2019s higher-profile young players, Gruden described him as a complete player capable of contributing in all situations. His skating, competitiveness, shot-blocking, and defensive awareness have stood out throughout the playoffs. The more experience these young defencemen gain in meaningful games, the better positioned the Maple Leafs will be in the years ahead.<\/p>\n

The Coaching Search Appears Far From Finished<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs continue their search for a new head coach, and the list of potential candidates remains intriguing. According to Darren Dreger<\/a>, Dallas Eakins is among the finalists for the position. Dreger has also reported that Patrick Roy and former NHL star Joe Pavelski remain in the mix. Pavelski recently confirmed there have been discussions with the organization and said he is excited to see where the process leads.<\/p>\n

Then there is Bruce Cassidy. Some observers have suggested the organization may be wise to wait until all Stanley Cup Final business is officially complete before making a decision. Now that the Stanley Cup Final has concluded with the Carolina Hurricanes\u2019 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, the team may have more flexibility in their timing. Cassidy\u2019s name continues to surface whenever coaching vacancies are discussed, and many fans would undoubtedly be interested if he became available.<\/p>\n

\"BruceBruce Cassidy (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

As I noted in Sunday\u2019s column, there is also an internal candidate worth watching. Gruden recently stated that he has not spoken with the Maple Leafs about the opening but believes he is ready to coach at the NHL level. Given the success he has enjoyed with the Marlies this season, it would not be surprising if his name receives serious consideration. Gruden is one of those coaches who seems to just love being a teacher. As I reported on Sunday<\/a>, when asked about the job, he said he had no aspirations for the NHL; he\u2019s probably in his perfect position right now.<\/p>\n

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

If there is a theme connecting all of these stories, it is that the Maple Leafs are still trying to build something sustainable. The Marlies\u2019 success isn\u2019t just about winning a Calder Cup. It\u2019s about developing leaders like Shaw and youngsters like Danford and Thrun. At the same time, the coaching search isn\u2019t simply about filling a vacancy. It\u2019s about deciding what the next version of the Maple Leafs should look like.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why the coming weeks will be so important. The organization has young players developing, veterans making decisions about their futures, and a coaching search that could shape the franchise\u2019s direction for years. For now, fans should keep one eye on the Marlies and the other on the coaching carousel. Both may have a significant impact on what comes next in Toronto.<\/p>\n

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