NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman speculates Toronto Maple Leafs considered now-fired assistant coach as Sheldon Keefe replacement

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Jun 16, 2024 19:07 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been making changes in their coaching team lately. Guy Boucher, who managed their power play and helped with offense, left recently. There's talk that Boucher wants a bigger role, possibly as head coach after Sheldon Keefe was fired.

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

Last season, Boucher was an assistant coach and helped the Leafs' power play, which was seventh-best in the league at 24 percent. But in the playoffs, they struggled, scoring only once on the power play against the Boston Bruins, just 4.8 percent.

Craig Berube is now head coach and his decision might be a factor in these coaching staff changes. Lane Lambert is the new associate coach. Manny Malhotra and Dean Chynoweth are no longer with the team.

This leaves a spot open on the Leafs' bench, possibly for Marc Savard, who's been mentioned for the job.

Boucher was being considered for the head coach role of the Leafs in 2015, but later, Mike Babcock received the job. Since Boucher had again shown interest in the top spot, the ultimate appointment of Berube must’ve played a role in his departure.

We'll soon find out where Boucher heads and who takes the open coaching roles for the Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs uncertain about trading Mitch Marner

Despite ongoing rumors, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t decided whether to trade forward Mitch Marner.

Marner has one year left on his $65.4 million deal. He has been a focus since the Leafs exited the playoffs.

The insider added that Toronto is exploring the trade market quietly and hasn't approached Marner about waiving his no-movement clause yet.

"The Leafs are not leaning on Mitch Marner right now. They have not decided 100 percent they have to trade him, and they are going to make life uncomfortable, and they’re getting the list of names. None of that’s what’s going on," Johnston said (via Chris Johnston show).

Marner had a strong season with 85 points in the regular season and a modest playoff performance. Despite trade talks, Johnston suggested Marner might stay with the Leafs.

"The fact that Mitch Marner is willing to play this right out until next summer and potentially chase free agency then. I think it’s very possible that he remains a member of the Maple Leafs. It’s way too soon to declare that’s going to happen, I’m certainly not doing so,” Johnston added.

If a trade happens, the insider believes Toronto needs a deal that benefits their Stanley Cup ambitions and Marner’s preferences.