Maple Leafs shock fans with surprise candidate in coaching search

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ coaching search has taken an unexpected turn. According to insider Darren Dreger, two notable names have advanced to the latest stage of Toronto’s interview process: Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette.

The development comes as the Leafs continue to reshape the organization following a disappointing season and a sweeping front-office overhaul led by new general manager John Chayka.

Perhaps the most surprising name is Roy.

Toronto has reportedly received permission from the New York Islanders to interview the Hall of Fame netminder for its head coaching vacancy. Roy spent most of last season behind the Islanders’ bench before being dismissed with only four games remaining in the campaign.

While his tenure on Long Island ended abruptly, Roy posted a respectable 42-31-5 record this season and compiled a 97-78-22 mark during his time with the franchise.

Beyond the NHL, Roy’s coaching résumé includes a successful run with the Quebec Remparts, where he captured a league championship in 2023.

The other candidate reportedly in the mix is Laviolette, one of the most experienced coaches available.

The veteran bench boss spent last season out of hockey after being fired by the New York Rangers. His track record, however, remains impressive. Laviolette has coached six NHL franchises, won a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, and guided both Philadelphia and Nashville to Stanley Cup Final appearances.

The inclusion of Roy and Laviolette signals that Toronto’s search may be focused on experienced, high-profile voices capable of handling the intense pressure that comes with coaching the Maple Leafs.

With Chayka, Mats Sundin, Judd Brackett and Freddie Hamilton now helping shape the organization’s future, the coaching hire will be one of the most important decisions of this new era. And based on the latest reports, the list of candidates is becoming far more intriguing than many expected.