The sun has set on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 season. Whether the management opts for a full-on rebuild or a retool around core pieces like Auston Matthews or William Nylander, head coach Craig Berube’s seat has never been hotter.
But if there is someone who can be ruled out of the Maple Leafs’ coaching change discourse, it is former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy.
Why Bruce Cassidy Might Pass on the Toronto Maple Leafs Job
Discontent with the Leafs’ leadership is widespread among the fanbase for a very good reason: Toronto has not fared so poorly since 2016, barring the COVID seasons. The Leafs have accumulated 78 points in 77 games, and with 5 regulation games left, they are on their way to missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
Under Berube’s guidance, the Maple Leafs finished atop the Atlantic Division with 108 points last season. Still, they were not entirely successful, falling to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 in the second round of the playoffs.
This time around, the reality is far more grim. After Brad Treliving’s shocking termination, Berube ought to feel the pressure all the more.
The Golden Knights, desperate to put their best foot forward in the hunt for a Stanley Cup, fired Cassidy with 8 regulation games left, signing John Tortorella. At first sight, Cassidy seems a perfect fit for the Leafs, but he might not be fully on board with the idea.
“If you’re Bruce Cassidy, chances are you’re gonna have multiple options, I doubt very much that the Maple Leafs are going to be top of list for Cassidy,” Darren Dreger shared.
MORE: Maple Leafs Urged To Consider Former Oilers HC To Take Craig Berube’s Job
Cassidy is not expected to have any significant trouble finding suitors. In his four seasons of coaching the Golden Knights, he has a 178-99-43 record in 320 regular-season games.
Under his guidance, Vegas has gathered 110 or more points in two seasons. Cassidy also paved the way for the Knights’ Stanley Cup in 2023.
Moreover, the Golden Knights are not out of contention for the playoffs. However, a regressive trend in their performance is discernible, leading to a decline in faith in Cassidy.
Nonetheless, the veteran coach might want to take his talents to a more competitive team, perhaps the Edmonton Oilers. However, when it comes to the Oilers, it might be easier said than done to make the case against Kris Knoblauch, especially in the wake of his pioneering Edmonton to two consecutive Stanley Cup finals.
It is clear the Maple Leafs need a new voice in the locker room, and a seasoned difference-maker like Cassidy could be the solution to Toronto’s longstanding problems.
I really don’t agree with a lot of this speculation.
There was nothing shocking about Treliving’s termination after his recent trades, last year especially losing our first rounder when we might finish 5th to 6th bottom.
This year he did absolutely nothing to shore up the team in-season, nothing at all.
Toronto is a highly regarded city for coaches and players especially given all the unregulated resources they can put into the team in terms of trainers, guidance, they are a rich team and so many players have mentioned this.