The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again in the midst of a coaching search, as they fired Mike Babcock in November 2019. Brendan Shanahan, the team’s president and general manager, is now tasked with finding a new bench boss who can lead the Leafs to their first Stanley Cup since 1967.
Shanahan’s Criteria
Shanahan has said that he is looking for a coach who is a good communicator, has a strong work ethic, and is a good teacher. He also wants someone who can connect with the players and get them to buy into his system.
Potential Candidates
There are a number of potential candidates who fit Shanahan’s criteria. Some of the most likely candidates include:
- Sheldon Keefe (Toronto Marlies head coach)
- Bob Hartley (former Calgary Flames head coach)
- Rick Tocchet (former Arizona Coyotes head coach)
- Alain Vigneault (former Philadelphia Flyers head coach)
Keefe the Frontrunner
Sheldon Keefe is considered to be the frontrunner for the Maple Leafs head coaching job. He has been very successful with the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, and he has a good relationship with Shanahan.
Hartley and Tocchet Also in the Mix
Bob Hartley and Rick Tocchet are also strong candidates for the Maple Leafs head coaching job. Both have experience as head coaches in the NHL, and they have both had success. Hartley won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 2015, and Tocchet led the Coyotes to the playoffs in 2018.
Vigneault a Long Shot
Alain Vigneault is a long shot for the Maple Leafs head coaching job. He has a lot of experience as a head coach in the NHL, but he has not had much success in recent years. He was fired by the Flyers in December 2019.
Conclusion
The Maple Leafs are in need of a new head coach, and Brendan Shanahan is looking for someone who can lead the team to the Stanley Cup. There are a number of potential candidates who fit Shanahan’s criteria, but Sheldon Keefe is considered to be the frontrunner.
Kind regards R. Bauer.
