Toronto Maple Leafs weigh former NHL star Joe Pavelski for head coach role

Toronto Maple Leafs Joe Pavelski head coach NHL Craig Berube

The Toronto Maple Leafs are conducting a wide search for a new head coach after dismissing Craig Berube following the 2025‑26 season. General manager John Chayka said there is no fixed timeline and that the club is interviewing multiple candidates.

Former NHL forward Joe Pavelski, a 1,332‑game veteran with 1,068 career points, has entered the interview process despite never having served as an NHL head coach. Sources cited by Sportsnet and Elliotte Friedman describe Pavelski as a "Martin St. Louis‑style" candidate. The Leafs are also monitoring other possibilities, including Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, and have spoken with former coaches such as Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette.

Pavelski retired after the 2023‑24 season and most recently coached a junior team in Madison. If hired, he would become the first former player without NHL coaching experience to lead Toronto since the team’s last coaching change.

Sources

Chris Johnston doubts Joe Pavelski rumors in Maple Leafs coaching search [www.thebiglead.com]

about 2 months ago

A shortlist of head-coaching candidates for the Maple Leafs as the hiring process continues [mapleleafshotstove.com]

about 2 months ago

Joe Pavelski a Coaching Candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs? - NHL Rumors [nhlrumors.com]

about 2 months ago

NHL-jätti harkitsee Joe Pavelskia päävalmentajaksi – valmentanut vain yhden kauden junioreissa [www.ita-savo.fi]

about 2 months ago

Would The Maple Leafs Hiring Joe Pavelski As Coach Be Like Throwing Him To The Wolves? [thehockeynews.com]

about 2 months ago

Maple Leafs rumors: Joe Pavelski enters head coaching chat [clutchpoints.com]

about 2 months ago