Working with a Hart/Ted Lindsay/Rocket Richard Trophy winner, a slew of top draft picks and 40-goal scorers in a Canadian city would be the dream of many coaches. A pity then, that the previous two men blessed with such riches were fired a day apart this week. Now the Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers could be competing for some of the same job hunters, perhaps joined by a third northern entry, the Vancouver Canucks.
Oilers Fire Knoblauch Amid Playoff Disappointment
The Oilers, who still must be considered closest to a Stanley Cup, finally completed the awkward axing of Kris Knoblauch on Thursday morning, after their attempt to reach a third straight championship final stalled in the opening round against Anaheim. It is awkward because they tried to interview Bruce Cassidy for the job before Knoblauch's dismissal was official. That subterfuge was uncovered when the Vegas Golden Knights refused the conference rival Oilers permission as the fired Cup-winning Cassidy is still on the books in Sin City.
Leafs Part Ways with Berube
Before Knoblauch was officially let go, the Leafs — who have come under attack for their own front-office follies — showed some sense of decorum by using feedback from staffers and coach Craig Berube, before deciding 'the Chief' was not returning. New general manager John Chayka not only bought himself time to peruse a wide field of replacements, but likely the approval of Auston Matthews and William Nylander — two creative stars who struggled under Berube's checking style in his second year.
The Oilers next headmaster will be their 13th in barely a quarter century and sixth since the generational Connor McDavid arrived in 2015. He was preceded by first-rounders Leon Draisaitl, Darnell Nurse and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and followed in 2018 by Evan Bouchard and several free-agent additions. They can now make a more direct pitch to Cassidy, but the coach should do his own research on why the Oilers have not made the last step to a title, outside of a chronic goaltending issue.
Could Bruce Cassidy Fit in Toronto?
The Ottawa-born former junior 67s defenceman has already piqued interest in Toronto as a mentor who could unlock offence. 'Butch' already has the grudging respect of locals for his Boston Bruins vexing the Buds in playoffs, then leading the expansion Knights to a Cup, while the Leafs' wait for such glory approaches 60 years. Keep in mind the Leafs have gone through two Cup-winning coaches in the past decade in Mike Babcock and Berube, both failing to move the needle in playoffs. They also have a 36-year-old data-centric GM in Chayka, who just won the draft lottery and might opt for a younger man to 'grow' with what should be a younger team in coming years.
Like the Oilers, Toronto also has a franchise figure in Matthews, winner of the same aforementioned hardware as McDavid and Draisaitl — everything but the Cup. Matthews has yet to have his first sit-down with Chayka and senior executive assistant Mats Sundin, which will include input on the new coach. Having tried the hard-ass approach under Babcock and Berube, sandwiched by Sheldon Keefe — who gave Matthews, Nylander and the departed Mitch Marner a bit too much rope — it will be fascinating where the Leafs land with this appointment.
What Is Going On with the Canucks?
Moving to Vancouver, where Ryan Johnson's promotion from assistant to full GM powers is expected to be confirmed shortly, one of the first calls for himself and new front office figures Daniel and Henrik Sedin is coach Adam Foote. Poorer than expected results — finishing last overall — have prompted calls to speed up the line of succession with Manny Malhotra. A former Canucks forward and Toronto assistant coach until taking over the Canucks farm team in Abbotsford, B.C., he is getting lots of love on the West Coast. But many have the GTA-born Malhotra on the Leafs' list, an ideal blend of ex-player, teacher and tactician, 45 years old and through just about every station in the game.
Another twist is that Malhotra could end up coaching son Caleb in the NHL, the 84-point Brantford Bulldogs' centre a projected top-five pick next month. The Canucks fell to third in the draft order, post-lottery. Whether the old boys' network prevails — names such as Peter Laviolette, Dean Evason and Patrick Roy often are recycled, and even Albertan Berube is being bantered — or new blood such as Malhotra, the University of Denver's David Carle and Jay Leach, Canada's favourite summer off-ice guessing game has begun.
