The speculation pendulum has swung toward greater National Hockey League experience for the Toronto Maple Leafs' next coach. According to reports, the Leafs have spoken with Peter Laviolette and Patrick Roy. This comes after the Vancouver Canucks hired Manny Malhotra, removing one potential candidate from the market.
Laviolette and Roy Emerge as Frontrunners
Peter Laviolette, 61, boasts 846 NHL coaching wins, the seventh-most in league history, and has coached 1,594 games. He did not coach in the 2025-26 season after being fired by the New York Rangers in April 2025. Laviolette has led six NHL teams, with tenures ranging from two years with the New York Islanders to six with the Nashville Predators.
Patrick Roy, 60, was fired by the Islanders in early April. The Hall of Fame goaltender previously coached the Colorado Avalanche for three seasons, losing in the first round in 2014 and missing the playoffs in the next two years. He bolstered his resume by winning the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League title in 2023 with the Quebec Remparts. Roy's emotional, matter-of-fact approach could suit Toronto, despite his connection to the rival Montreal Canadiens.
Other Potential Candidates
The Leafs have reportedly shown interest in David Carle, who has won three NCAA titles in five years with the University of Denver, though he has no NHL coaching experience. Another possibility is Jussi Ahokas, who led the Kitchener Rangers to a Memorial Cup title this year. The 45-year-old Finnish coach has built a strong foundation in Kitchener since 2023.
General manager John Chayka has not set vast NHL experience as an absolute requirement. The search has been thorough and wide since coach Craig Berube was fired three weeks ago.
Malhotra's Departure and Leafs' Outlook
Manny Malhotra, a former Leafs assistant coach from 2020-24, was hired by the Canucks after Adam Foote was fired. Malhotra had proven his worth by guiding Vancouver's AHL affiliate to a Calder Cup title last year.
No coaching announcement appears imminent. Chayka is scheduled to meet with media on Friday at the NHL scouting combine in Buffalo. The Leafs believe that regardless of who they hire, the team will remain close to Stanley Cup playoff contention.
Recent Draft Picks Released
The Leafs have relinquished rights to two recent draft picks. Kitchener forward Matthew Hlacar, a seventh-round pick in 2025, did not receive a bona fide offer before the June 1 deadline. Spokane Chiefs defenseman Nathan Mayes, a seventh-round pick in 2024, was also not signed. Both players will be eligible for the 2026 draft.
