The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially parted ways with head coach Craig Berube after just two seasons behind the bench. Berube posted a respectable 84-62-18 record and even led the team to the second round of the playoffs in his first year, but missing the postseason entirely this past season proved to be the final straw. With a new front office regime in place—led by the controversial hire of general manager John Chayka—the Leafs are now on the hunt for a fresh voice to guide a talented but underachieving roster.
It's no secret that coaching in Toronto comes with immense pressure. The Leafs hold the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and boast superstar center Auston Matthews, but their recent playoff struggles have left a bitter taste. Still, in the NHL, winning cures everything, and there's no shortage of intriguing candidates who could help turn the tide.
Here are five potential coaching options for the Maple Leafs:
Bruce Cassidy
If the Leafs want a proven winner, Cassidy is arguably the best available. He won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and consistently led the Boston Bruins deep into the playoffs. His track record of success and ability to handle high expectations make him a top-tier candidate.
Peter Laviolette
Laviolette is known for making an immediate impact. He's taken three different teams to the Stanley Cup Final early in his tenures, even if his results tend to fade over time. For a team desperate to shake off its playoff blues, his knack for capturing lightning in a bottle could be exactly what Toronto needs.
Jim Hiller
Hiller's brief stint with the Los Angeles Kings (93-58-24) was solid, and he's still relatively fresh in the coaching world. If the Leafs are looking for someone with recent head coaching experience who can grow with the team, Hiller could be a smart, steady choice.
Nolan Pratt
A former NHL player turned assistant coach, Pratt has made a name for himself with the Colorado Avalanche. He's considered one of the top assistant coaching prospects in the league, and the Leafs could benefit from his fresh perspective and player-friendly approach.
Jeff Daniels
Daniels is another strong assistant coach candidate, currently working with the Carolina Hurricanes—a red-hot 2026 Stanley Cup contender. His experience as a former NHL player and his success in Carolina make him an intriguing option for a team looking to build a winning culture.
Whoever takes the reins in Toronto will have big skates to fill, but with the right coach, the Leafs could finally turn their potential into postseason success.