The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market for a new head coach, with several potential candidates being discussed. Among the names circulating are Bruce Cassidy, Manny Malhotra, Jack Capuano, David Carle, Mike Yeo, John Gruden, Joe Sacco, Pascal Vincent, Peter Laviolette, Gerard Gallant, Steve Sullivan, and Dean Evason. Bruce Cassidy is considered a strong candidate, though the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are also reportedly interested. Other potential hires are categorized by experience level, including veteran retreads like Bruce Boudreau and Dean Evason, second-chance candidates such as Kris Knoblauch and Jay Woodcroft, and fresh perspectives like Misha Donskov and Jay Leach. Internal candidates like John Gruden and Derek Lalonde are also being considered.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars face a significant salary cap challenge as they aim to re-sign pending restricted free agent forward Jason Robertson, who is expected to command a salary of at least $12 million. With only $11 million in projected cap space and a need to add more forwards, the Stars may need to make trades to free up cap room. Potential trade candidates include Radek Faksa, who has two years remaining on his contract at $2 million and is a valuable penalty-killing center, though he may require surgery. Sam Steel, with one year left at $2.1 million, is another option who contributes on the penalty kill and offensively. Defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, with one year remaining at $3.25 million, could be moved, although re-signing Alexander Petrovic would be a more cost-effective alternative. Tyler Myers, acquired for two draft picks and with one year left at $1.5 million, also presents a potential trade option, especially after being a healthy scratch in the playoffs.
Toronto Maple Leafs Coaching Candidates
Several individuals are being considered for the head coaching position with the Toronto Maple Leafs:
- Bruce Cassidy (Oilers and Kings also reportedly interested)
- Manny Malhotra
- Jack Capuano
- David Carle
- Mike Yeo
- John Gruden (Marlies coach)
- Joe Sacco
- Pascal Vincent
- Peter Laviolette
- Gerard Gallant
- Steve Sullivan
- Dean Evason
- Bruce Boudreau
- Patrick Roy (considered a potentially disastrous choice)
- Kris Knoblauch
- Todd Nelson
- Jay Woodcroft
- Misha Donskov
- Jay Leach
- Derek Lalonde
- Jussi Ahokas
Dallas Stars Trade Candidates to Clear Cap Space
To re-sign Jason Robertson, the Dallas Stars may explore trading the following players:
- Radek Faksa: Two years remaining, $2 million AAV. Valued penalty killer and depth center.
- Sam Steel: One year remaining, $2.1 million AAV. Contributes on the penalty kill and offensively.
- Ilya Lyubushkin: Last year of his contract, $3.25 million AAV. A depth defenseman.
- Tyler Myers: One year remaining, $1.5 million AAV. May be considered for a move.
English Translation
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for a new head coach, and various candidates are being discussed. Among the names being considered are Bruce Cassidy, Manny Malhotra, Jack Capuano, David Carle, Mike Yeo, John Gruden (coach of the Marlies), Joe Sacco, Pascal Vincent, Peter Laviolette, Gerard Gallant, Steve Sullivan, and Dean Evason. Bruce Cassidy is seen as a strong contender, although the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings are also reportedly interested in him. Other potential hires are categorized by their experience level, including veteran coaches like Bruce Boudreau and Dean Evason, those seeking a second chance such as Kris Knoblauch and Jay Woodcroft, and individuals offering a fresh perspective like Misha Donskov and Jay Leach. Internal candidates like John Gruden and Derek Lalonde are also being evaluated.
In parallel, the Dallas Stars are facing a significant salary cap challenge as they aim to re-sign pending restricted free agent forward Jason Robertson, who is expected to seek a contract worth at least $12 million. With only $11 million in projected cap space and the need to acquire two or three additional forwards, the Stars may need to make trades to alleviate their cap burden. Potential trade targets include Radek Faksa, who has two years left on his $2 million contract and is a capable penalty-killing center, although he might require surgery. Sam Steel, with one year remaining at $2.1 million, is another option who contributes on the penalty kill and offensively. Defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, in the final year of his contract at $3.25 million, could be moved, though re-signing Alexander Petrovic would be a more economical solution. Tyler Myers, acquired for two draft picks and with one year left at $1.5 million, also presents a trade possibility, particularly after being a healthy scratch for some playoff games.
