If David Carle becomes the next head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he will have a familiar face nearby: assistant coach Derek Lalonde, who played a pivotal role in launching Carle's coaching career.
During a recent appearance on the NHL Unscripted podcast, Carle, 36, recounted how Lalonde encouraged him to pursue coaching full-time after a heart condition ended his playing days. Carle is now one of the most sought-after young coaches in hockey, with three NCAA titles at the University of Denver and two world junior gold medals with Team USA.
Carle's playing career cut short
Carle's playing career ended after he was diagnosed with a heart condition at the 2008 NHL draft combine. Despite being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round, he never played professionally. He retained his scholarship at Denver and joined the coaching staff as a student assistant in 2008-09, where Lalonde was an assistant under George Gwozdecky.
Lalonde's encouragement
During a practice in his junior year, Lalonde asked Carle if he planned to coach full-time. Carle admitted he hadn't considered it. Lalonde replied, 'Well, I think you should consider it; I think you would be really good at it.' Carle said, 'It's funny. I think people are put in your life to help you and support you in different ways.'
First full-time coaching job
When Lalonde became head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, he hired Carle as an assistant for the 2013-14 season. 'He was the guy who offered me my first full-time job in coaching,' Carle said. After a year and a half, Carle returned to Denver, eventually becoming head coach in 2018 and winning championships in 2022, 2024, and 2025.
Potential reunion in Toronto
The Maple Leafs have long been linked to Carle. Speculation intensified after the Colorado Avalanche's playoff sweep, with Carle rumored as a replacement for Jared Bednar. Lalonde, who joined the Leafs last June and survived the recent coaching change, is reportedly on GM John Chayka's interview list for the head vacancy.
'The story is unique and has worked out the way it was supposed to,' Carle said. 'I feel blessed to have the opportunities to prove people right.' Carle and Lalonde still talk regularly, and a reunion in Toronto could be imminent.
