The Toronto Maple Leafs have an active offseason ahead of them after missing out on the playoffs this past season. This disappointing campaign has led to a managerial change on the horizon with Brad Treliving out of the job. His successor is expected to be named shortly with John Chayka and Mats Sundin appearing to be the leading candidates for the position.
With a new-look front office in place soon, this begs the question of where that leaves the future of the organization. What path does the new GM decide to take this franchise? Does Toronto management aim for a quick retool aimed at a playoff return next season? Or do they go a different route and enter a rebuilding period?
The future’s of many Maple Leafs core players and the coaching staff is in doubt as well. What happens with head coach Craig Berube is questionable as most new general managers that come in tend to bring their own staff into the fold historically.
Craig Berube Likely Out as Toronto Coach
The prevailing notion is that it’s more probable than not Toronto sees a coaching change as well this summer. Via reporter Andy Strickland on Leafs Morning Take: “I think the sense is that [the Maple Leafs] would probably move on from Craig Berube and make a wholesale change.”
The thought makes sense if the Maple Leafs are looking for a complete cultural turnaround next year. If Berube sticks around and Toronto comes out of the gates struggling to start the season that would not be a great look for the new general manager. Coaching changes in the offseason are generally preferable versus a mid-season move.
The new GM will likely want their full imprint on this squad, which is more difficult to do when working with members of the previous administration as opposed to their own group.
There Are Coaching Options Available for the Maple Leafs
Whether Berube was a part of the problem with last year’s middling Maple Leafs team or not, if Toronto opts to go in another direction and implement a fresh system they have options at their disposal.
Insider Frank Seravalli has linked a recently fired Stanley Cup winning coach to the gig: “If it is to be a competitive team, they’re gonna have to go out and hire a veteran; I’m sure Bruce Cassidy would be considered; I am expecting a coaching change in Toronto.”
Cassidy would be a formidable candidate for the position. He would bring with him years of experience having coached championship teams in the playoffs. For a team such as the Maple Leafs that have struggled down the postseason stretch throughout the Auston Matthews era, he could be perfect for them.
Another viable candidate for Toronto could be Patrick Roy. Like Cassidy, Roy was recently let go towards the end of this past regular season. He is another coach with winning pedigree on his resume.
It will be interesting to see what route the new Maple Leafs GM goes down. This coaching dilemma is the first major task to solve upon takeover.
Maple Leafs Likely to Move on from Craig Berube with GM Change