The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly exploring several coaching candidates. Among those mentioned are Bruce Cassidy, Manny Malhotra, Jack Capuano, David Carle, Mike Yeo, John Gruden (current Marlies coach), and Joe Sacco. Additional names to consider include Pascal Vincent, Peter Laviolette, Gerard Gallant, Steve Sullivan, and Dean Evason.
Further analysis breaks down potential candidates into tiers. Bruce Cassidy is noted as a possibility, though the Oilers might be his preferred destination. Veteran coaches like Bruce Boudreau, Dean Evason, Peter Laviolette, and Patrick Roy are also listed, with Roy’s potential hiring described as disastrous. Coaches seeking a second chance include Kris Knoblauch, Todd Nelson, and Jay Woodcroft. A fresh perspective might come from Misha Donskov, Jay Leach, and Manny Malhotra. Internal candidates such as John Gruden, Derek Lalonde, and Steve Sullivan are also on the radar. Jussi Ahokas and David Carle are considered off the board.
Reports suggest Bruce Cassidy is unlikely to end up in Toronto and may not even be their top choice. The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly very interested in Cassidy, posing a legitimate rival for the Oilers.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars face cap space challenges as they aim to re-sign pending RFA forward Jason Robertson, who is expected to command a salary of at least $12 million. With approximately $11 million in projected cap space and the need to acquire two to three more forwards, the Stars will likely need to move players to make room for Robertson. Potential trade candidates to clear salary include:
- Radek Faksa: With two years remaining on his $2 million contract, Faksa is a valuable depth center and penalty killer. However, he may require surgery after a significant foot laceration sustained at the Olympics.
- Sam Steel: Steel has one year left on his $2.1 million deal. He’s a capable penalty killer who recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in 73 games last season.
- Ilya Lyubushkin: In the final year of his $3.25 million contract, Lyubushkin played in only 53 games last year. While a solid depth defenseman, re-signing Alexander Petrovic would be a more cost-effective option.
- Tyler Myers: Acquired for two draft picks and with one year left at $1.5 million, Myers was a healthy scratch for some playoff games due to costly mistakes. The Stars might consider moving Lyubushkin over Myers, who possesses a 12-team no-trade clause.
