The Toronto Maple Leafs' exhaustive coaching search has taken another turn, with veteran bench boss Peter Laviolette no longer considered a lock for the position. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the situation shifted over the weekend, leaving the organization to continue evaluating candidates.
Laviolette's Momentum Fades
Friedman revealed on a recent broadcast that there was a moment on Saturday morning when he believed the Maple Leafs were poised to hire Laviolette. However, the team opted not to finalize a deal, and the search remains open. Friedman now suggests that Laviolette could instead become a leading candidate for the Los Angeles Kings' head coaching vacancy.
Laviolette had been a prominent name in Toronto's search for weeks, but fan concerns about his fit with the young roster may have influenced the decision to explore other options. The Maple Leafs have conducted numerous interviews, including virtual meetings, and are still narrowing their list.
Other Candidates in the Mix
The Maple Leafs are also monitoring the situation of former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy. However, Friedman noted that Toronto has not formally pursued Cassidy, and Vegas has not signaled any change in his availability. The team's broad-based approach underscores the importance of finding the right leader to build on recent playoff appearances.
Implications for the 2026-27 Season
The outcome of the coaching search could have significant implications for the Maple Leafs' ambitions heading into the 2026-27 NHL season. As speculation intensifies, the organization remains one of the biggest stories in the league, with further developments expected in the coming days.
