Simmons: Toronto Maple Leafs Must Hire Elite Coach to Contend Next Season
If the Toronto Maple Leafs are serious about returning to competitive form next season, they need to act swiftly in the coaching market, according to analyst Steve Simmons. With ownership and CEO Keith Pelley aiming for a contending approach, the team should be closely monitoring available elite coaches like Bruce Cassidy or Pete DeBoer immediately.
The Urgency of Coaching Decisions
Simmons emphasizes that while the Leafs require a new general manager or director of hockey operations to replace the fired Brad Treliving, securing a top-tier coach is equally critical. He warns that the market for proven coaches could dry up quickly once the season concludes, making timely action essential.
Bruce Cassidy has averaged 106 points per season over the past seven years with the Vegas Golden Knights and Boston Bruins, winning a Stanley Cup with Vegas and losing another with Boston. Pete DeBoer has averaged 102 points per season over eight years, coaching both the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils to Cup finals, though falling short each time. DeBoer has coached 18 NHL seasons with only two losing records across five teams.
Organizational Challenges and Strategic Dilemmas
The Leafs face a complex situation, paddling in circles with two more years of Auston Matthews, long-term contracts for William Nylander and Matthew Knies, but limited depth, especially on defense. Simmons notes they cannot tank due to a potentially traded first-round draft pick, nor can they fully commit to a rebuild without clarity on their path forward.
He argues that hiring a coach before a general manager is foolhardy, but the team must move quickly to avoid missing out on elite candidates. Cassidy or DeBoer would be ideal for a go-for-it mentality but unsuitable for a bottoming-out phase, presenting a significant challenge for Leafs leadership in determining their direction.
Critique of Keith Pelley's Leadership
Simmons critiques CEO Keith Pelley's recent news conference, describing it as cringe-worthy and disingenuous. He points out Pelley's awkward statements, such as claiming the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres were trains the Leafs didn't see coming, despite the team identifying them as rising threats before the season.
Pelley's push for a more data-driven approach is noted, but Simmons questions whether data can address on-ice issues like physical play or defensive gaps, highlighting the importance of heart and character in hockey.
GM Candidates and Team Needs
Simmons dismisses Mike Gillis as a candidate due to past controversies and notes Doug Armstrong's potential interest in the Leafs job, given his Ontario roots and experience, though he must explain the St. Louis Blues' decline post-2019 Cup win.
To compete next season, Simmons suggests targeting free agents like defenseman Darren Raddysh from Tampa Bay and forward Alex Tuch from Buffalo, proposing a formidable line of Matthews, Tuch, and Knies.
Broader NHL Insights and Observations
The article includes miscellaneous notes, such as Cole Caufield nearing 50 goals for the Canadiens, joining legends like Maurice Richard and Guy Lafleur, and the Leafs' history with only four 50-goal scorers. Simmons also comments on Hart Trophy voting challenges, with players like Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov dominating team scoring.
In other sports, he mentions Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s slow start for the Blue Jays, the impact of Alejandro Kirk's injury, and the development of Raptors rookie Ja'Kobe Walter, contrasting him with Gradey Dick's struggles. He praises retiring TSN analyst Vic Rauter and laments Italy's absence from the World Cup affecting Toronto's Italian community.
Simmons concludes by stressing the need for a hockey boss with vision, power, and toughness, qualities reminiscent of Brendan Shanahan, to navigate the Leafs through this pivotal period.
