Maple Leafs Accelerate GM, Coach Search as Top Candidates Sign Elsewhere

Toronto faces urgency to fill key roles as coaching options dwindle ahead of next season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey scene, with sharp planes of blue, red, and silver representing the chaotic state of the Maple Leafs' coaching and GM search.As the Maple Leafs scramble to fill key leadership roles, the team's future direction remains uncertain amid a shifting NHL coaching landscape.Today in Detroit

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a compressed timeline to hire a new general manager and head coach after several top candidates have already signed with other NHL teams. With the Leafs eliminated from playoff contention, the organization must decide whether to pursue a 'win-now' coach like Bruce Cassidy or Peter Laviolette, or opt for a developmental-focused hire like Peter DeBoer or Tony Granato as they potentially look to rebuild through the draft.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs' inability to act quickly has left them scrambling to fill critical leadership roles, as top coaching options are being snatched up by rival teams. This could significantly impact Toronto's short-term competitiveness and long-term direction, with major implications for the franchise's future.

The details

After firing GM Brad Treliving with eight games left in the regular season, the Maple Leafs were hoping to get an early start on their search. However, the timeline has been accelerated with several high-profile coaching changes happening around the league. The New York Islanders recently hired Peter DeBoer to replace Patrick Roy, while John Tortorella took over in Vegas, leaving a shrinking pool of experienced, proven head coaching candidates available. Toronto must now decide whether to pursue a veteran 'win-now' coach like Bruce Cassidy or Peter Laviolette, or opt for a developmental-focused hire like Tony Granato as the organization potentially looks to rebuild through the draft.

  • The Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving with 8 games remaining in the regular season.
  • The New York Islanders hired Peter DeBoer as their new head coach with 4 games left in the season.
  • John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights last week.

The players

Brad Treliving

The former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who was fired with 8 games left in the regular season.

Peter DeBoer

The new head coach of the New York Islanders, hired with 4 games remaining in the season.

John Tortorella

The new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who replaced Bruce Cassidy last week.

Bruce Cassidy

A highly sought-after head coaching candidate, who won a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023.

Peter Laviolette

An experienced head coach who was recently fired by the New York Rangers and is considered another top option on the open market.

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What they’re saying

“There's no guarantee that they'll wait around until the summer to do it.”

— Michael Traikos, USA TODAY Sports Writer

“Toronto better get moving. Or else they may have to start next season with Berube back behind the bench.”

— Michael Traikos, USA TODAY Sports Writer

What’s next

The Maple Leafs must decide whether to pursue a 'win-now' coach like Cassidy or Laviolette, or opt for a developmental-focused hire like DeBoer or Granato as the team potentially looks to rebuild through the draft. This decision will heavily influence their search for a new general manager, which must be completed before a head coach can be hired.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' inability to act quickly on their coaching and GM searches has left them in a precarious position, with top candidates being snatched up by rival teams. This underscores the urgency facing the organization to chart a clear path forward, whether that's a 'win-now' approach or a longer-term rebuild, in order to avoid falling further behind their competition.