The Toronto Maple Leafs are undergoing major changes following a disappointing 2025-26 season in which they missed the playoffs and fell well short of expectations.
In response, the organization’s new leadership group wasted little time making significant moves. General Manager John Chayka and Senior Executive Advisor Mats Sundin parted ways with head coach Craig Berube and immediately launched a wide-ranging search for his replacement.
Now, a new report has provided fresh insight into one of the leading candidates.
New Details Emerge in Maple Leafs’ Coaching Search
One of the biggest names linked to the vacancy is former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, who led the Oilers from 2022 to 2024.
On the Oilers Now podcast, NHL insider Frank Seravalli confirmed that Woodcroft remains firmly in the mix for Toronto’s head coaching job.
“As I reported last week, Jay Woodcroft is still a candidate and a possibility in Toronto. Unequivocally, 100% had his Zoom interview with the Toronto Maple Leafs last week. Be careful where you get your information, but that is a fact,” Seravalli said.
The report reinforces the belief that Woodcroft is one of the top candidates being considered by Toronto’s front office.
His ability to work with elite talent is also viewed as a major asset. During the same discussion, longtime Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer highlighted the respect Woodcroft earned from Edmonton’s biggest names. “It’s my belief that both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had a lot of time for both Tod McLellan and Jay Woodcroft,” Stauffer noted.
That level of respect from players like McDavid and Draisaitl is hard to ignore. For a Maple Leafs team led by stars such as Auston Matthews and William Nylander, a coach with a proven ability to connect with elite talent could be an important asset.
More Big Names Enter the Picture for the Leafs
Woodcroft isn’t the only experienced coach drawing interest. TSN insider Darren Dreger reported that the Maple Leafs have expanded their search to include Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette, two veteran coaches with extensive NHL experience and championship credentials.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs coaching search is getting more interesting. Sources say Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette are a part of this weeks stage of the interview process.” Dreger said.
The Toronto Maple Leafs coaching search is getting more interesting. Sources say Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette are a part of this weeks stage of the interview process.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 3, 2026
Both coaches are known for demanding, defense-first systems and strong playoff experience, qualities that could appeal to a Toronto team looking to improve after struggling defensively throughout the season.
The Maple Leafs are casting a wide net in their coaching search. Whether they decide to go with a rising candidate like Woodcroft or an experienced veteran such as Roy or Laviolette, the organization is clearly doing its homework as it looks to find the right leader for the next chapter of the franchise.
