NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman names potential landing spot for former Maple Leafs assistant coach

Modified Jun 16, 2024 17:11 GMT

There are many developments taking place in the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching roster. On June 5, Dean Chynoweth, who served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons, was replaced by Lane Lambert. Lambert has been brought on as an associate coach under new head coach Craig Berube. This move marked a big change for the Maple Leafs as they continue to refine their coaching staff.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talked about Chynoweth's future in the latest episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast. Friedman said:

"There is news I believe about another of Toronto's assistant coaches from last year who's also out, and that is Dean Chynoweth, and the word is that he could end up as an assistant coach on Scott Arniel's staff in Winnipeg."

The potential move would see Chynoweth joining the Winnipeg Jets' coaching team, led by the newly appointed head coach Scott Arniel. Arniel took over the position after Rick Bowness retired on May 6.

"A lot of firsts have happened here," Arniel said after the hiring announcement. "I met my wife here, my kids were raised here, I got to play my first professional games here, I got to retire here at the end of my career." (via NHL.com)

"It was also the start of my coaching career....to be here today and be the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets is extremely special to me," Arniel added.

Arniel was originally selected by the original Winnipeg Jets in the second round (No. 22) of the 1981 NHL draft and played six of his 11 NHL seasons with the Jets.

Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Guy Boucher seeks head coaching role

Guy Boucher won't be returning as assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After his departure was announced, news surfaced that he had expressed interest in the head coaching role left vacant by Sheldon Keefe. However, the Leafs hired Craig Berube instead.

"I think Boucher had indicated that if a coaching change was made he would like to be considered for the position," Elliotte Friedman said (on "32 Thoughts" podcast). “I don't know how seriously Toronto did it or if he was a candidate."

The coaching staff under Berube has already seen many changes. Lane Lambert joined as associate coach, and Manny Malhotra left to coach the Abbotsford Canucks. Dean Chynoweth was also part of the change.