The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Craig Berube. Reports indicate interest in former NHL forward Joe Pavelski as a candidate.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs have included Pavelski among those under consideration as the interview process advances. Multiple sources confirm the club's interest in the 41-year-old, who is described as a Martin St. Louis-like prospect due to his lack of prior high-level coaching experience. Pavelski retired after the 2023/24 season after playing 18 NHL seasons and more than 1,500 games with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. Since then he has coached only his son Nate's youth team in Madison, Wisconsin. Despite limited coaching background, Toronto plans to explore the possibility further. The development comes as the team seeks a successor to lead stars including William Nylander.