The Toronto Maple Leafs are continuing their coaching search, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, but indications are that it is in its preliminary stage. Friedman indicated earlier in the week that GM John Chayka has had contact with Denver University head coach David Carle to gauge interest, while David Alter of the Hockey News reported that the Leafs have interviewed current Leafs assistant coach and former Detroit Red Wings bench boss Derek Lalonde, but it is expected that a number of other candidates will be part of the initial conversations.
A popular name has been former Leafs assistant and current Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, but the likelihood of him being a candidate for the Toronto job seemed to decline after Adam Foote was fired by Vancouver earlier in the week. Friedman said that he is getting the sense that a decision on Malhotra regarding the head coaching job with the Canucks will likely be made over the next few days.
New Vancouver GM Ryan Johnson was the general manager of Abbotsford when Malhotra won a Calder Cup in 2025, so it is likely that Malhotra is the top candidate for the Canucks job, but if Johnson decides to look outside the organization, the 45-year-old potentially could be a top candidate for the Leafs job. Other names, such as former Edmonton coaches Jay Woodcroft, Kris Knoblauch, former Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy, and Toronto Marlies bench boss John Gruden could also be candidates.
In other news, former Vancouver GM Mike Gillis was interviewed on the Sekeres and Price podcast and said that the reporting of his candidacy for a management position with the Leafs was inaccurate and that someone of his age “should not be on the front lines on a daily basis”, and that his saw his role being more of a senior advisor.
The Toronto Marlies are hoping to stay alive in their pursuit of a Calder Cup on Friday against the Cleveland Monsters. The Marlies trail 2-1 after a 4-0 shutout loss to the Monsters at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Wednesday. Toronto’s offense has dried up in the series after a five-goal outburst in Game 1, they have scored just one goal and generated just 34 shots on goal in the last six periods.
At the 2026 IIHF World Championships, Leafs 2025 top pick Tinus Luc Koblar is impressing with five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in four games with Norway. This season, after a brief stint at the junior level, Koblar has played all season with Leksands in the SHL as an 18-year-old, with 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists in 47 games) and will play for Rogle BK next season.
