Experience has become a buzzword in the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching search. Given that new general manager John Chayka has not been hands-on with any team in recent years and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin is a novice to the hockey office, it made sense to ensure the next coach is well-versed in on-ice matters.
How about 1,500-plus NHL games worth of battle scars? On his 32 Thoughts podcast Sunday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the recently retired Joe Pavelski is on the Leafs' list to interview.
Retired in 2024
The 41-year-old hung up his skates in 2024 with 476 goals and 1,068 points, split between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. He also amassed 143 playoff points in 201 games. However, like the Maple Leafs, the Stanley Cup has eluded him.
Pavelski, who will receive Hall of Fame consideration when eligible, has transitioned into coaching at the youth level. He has been coaching his U15 teenage son Nate for a triple-A team in Madison, Wisconsin, their home state. Pavelski has also served as an adviser to the men's team at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin Badgers.
Similar Path to Martin St. Louis
As Friedman points out, coaching his son is similar to the situation of Martin St. Louis, who was nurturing his son's development when the New York Rangers approached him to work with their farm team. St. Louis declined that offer, but the Montreal Canadiens persisted, and new GM Kent Hughes brought him aboard in 2022 after the mid-season firing of Dominique Ducharme. Despite concerns that St. Louis had not paid his coaching dues, the Canadiens have been on a rising trajectory since, having made the Eastern Conference final this year.
Leadership and Off-Ice Pursuits
Pavelski knows about the leadership mantle, having served as captain of the Sharks and Team USA at the first World Cup of Hockey. His interests include co-owning the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League. He and his wife have also operated a meal preparation company in Madison. Upon retirement, he took up a passion for golf that led to a win in the 2025 American Century Championship tournament.
Chayka told media in Buffalo on Friday at the NHL scouting combine that 55 names were on his list or had applied and that he planned to pare it down to 20 in the coming days.
