While the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the process of making a decision on a new hockey boss, their American Hockey League affiliate is in the Calder Cup Playoffs, with a number of players who played late in the season with the Leafs. The Toronto Marlies opened their first-round series with the Rochester Americans with a 5-0 win at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Wednesday.
Veteran Vinny Letteri had a hat trick for Toronto, with Michael Pezzetta and Benoit-Olivier Groulx adding singles. William Villeneuve and Easton Cowan added assists, and Artur Akhtyamov made 16 saves for his first playoff victory and shutout. The Marlies travel to Rochester for Game 2 on Friday, with a deciding Game 3 (if necessary) on Sunday in Toronto.
The winner will play the North Division-winning Laval Rockets in the second round.
The list, based on the reporting of Elliotte Friedman, Darren Dreger, Frank Seravalli, and others is five: Dallas Stars assistant GM Scott White, NY Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin, former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka, Boston Bruins assistant GM Evan Gold and former Vancouver GM Mike Gillis, but there also has been indicators that some former Leafs (Mats Sundin, Gary Roberts) may have some sort of role with the club.
Internal candidates Ryan Hardy and Brandon Pridham were part of the interview process, but there is no indication whether they are serious candidates. The Vancouver Canucks are also searching for a new GM, and after asking for permission from Buffalo to speak to former GM Kevyn Adams, they also requested and received permission to speak to former NHLer Shane Doan. Doan was hired as a special advisor to GM Brad Treliving in 2023, and his role with Toronto is in limbo, as is Hardy, Pridham, Hayley Wickenheiser, Daryl Metcalf, and Derek Clancey.
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