Following the firing of Craig Berube after a highly disappointing 32-36-14 season, new Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka is pivoting the organization. With the 2026 NHL Draft providing a huge lottery win, there are all kinds of possibilities with where the Leafs could go. David Alter assesses the options.
Here is a breakdown of the top 10 candidates being discussed to take over the Maple Leafs bench.
1. Kris Knobaluch
A fascinating name to monitor given his extensive history with elite talent. Knoblauch famously coached Connor McDavid in junior with the Erie Otters and has earned significant respect at the pro level for his balanced approach to tactical structure and offensive freedom. If Chayka is looking for a coach who understands how to manage and communicate with modern, high-skill superstars while implementing a sustainable five-on-five system, Knoblauch checks every single box. It’s still unthinkable that he’s available after leading the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025.
2. Bruce Cassidy
The most accomplished name on the market. Cassidy has Stanley Cup pedigree from Vegas and a proven track record of structured, suffocating defensive play with the Bruins. The big question is whether Chayka can pivot fast enough to outbid other suitors like Edmonton or Los Angeles. If Toronto wants immediate structure, Cassidy is the gold standard. Reports indicate the Leafs will be sure to speak to him once the Golden Knights grant permission. But with many options, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Cassidy land somewhere else.
3. Manny Malhotra
A highly respected detail-oriented coach who just led the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup. Malhotra has deep organizational familiarity from his past stint as a Leafs assistant coach, where he worked closely with Auston Matthews and William Nylander. His familiarity with the core, combined with his modern developmental success, makes him a serious contender.
4. David Carle
The University of Denver head coach is widely considered the best hockey mind outside of the NHL. Carle has guided Denver to three NCAA national titles and is the exact type of innovative, young tactician an analytical GM like Chayka would covet to develop McKenna. The transition from college to the NHL pressure cooker remains the only true question mark.
5. Jay Woodcroft
Currently an assistant in Anaheim, Woodcroft proved in Edmonton that he can maximize elite offensive superstars. Under his watch, Connor McDavid hit a career-high 153 points. With Toronto’s offense stagnating heavily under Berube’s north-south style, Woodcroft’s ability to balance structure while unlocking elite offensive creativity is an attractive option.
6. Peter Laviolette
The quintessential “plug-and-play” veteran coach. Sitting top-10 all-time in NHL wins, Laviolette brings an aggressive, up-tempo style that would immediately contrast Berube’s heavy grind. He has publicly pitched himself for the role, though he may be more inclined toward a team looking for a quick postseason push rather than a tactical reset.
7. Misha Donskov
Donskov has an incredibly versatile resume, moving from video coach to assistant coach with the Stars, and recently being named Canada’s head coach for the World Championship. He is highly analytical and detailed, aligning well with the modern direction Chayka is signaling.
8. Jay Leach
A defense-first assistant coach with the Boston Bruins who previously ran the Providence Bruins in the AHL. If Chayka’s primary focus is completely rebuilding the blue line and implementing a rigid defensive identity without sacrificing mobility, Leach’s tactical blueprint fits the mold.
9. Jussi Ahokas
The ultimate “off-the-board” candidate. Fresh off an OHL championship with the Kitchener Rangers, Ahokas is an innovative thinker known for preaching “positionless hockey.” Hiring him would be a bold, forward-thinking statement by Chayka to entirely redefine how the Maple Leafs play.
10. Steve Sullivan
Sullivan has a massive advantage due to his long-standing relationship with Chayka, having served as his assistant GM in Arizona. Brought in as an assistant in December to fix Toronto’s power play, he successfully dragged it from dead last to 15th overall. That existing shorthand with management makes him a strong internal candidate.