Joe S.
Moderator
I want this to happen so badly - the Babcock part.
Coaching and management changes around the league
- Thread starter herman
- Start date
You sure about that? You know if Edmonton hires Babcock they're winning the Cup next season so we can go through another round of "this Finals is all about the Leafs".
Joe S.
Moderator
Honestly Edmonton winning the cup doesn't bother me. McDavid deserves it and I've always had a soft spot for the Oilers. But realistically the Oilers aren't winning the cup - unless of course there's a dramatic change in goal.
The narratives - I just don't care about anymore. Like I'm hearing now 'how could Toronto just let Marner walk????' as if he's the first free agent to ever leave a team. Maybe this sets a precedent of other players finally leaving their teams and not having 100% of the players spend their entire careers locked to one team.
Joe S.
Moderator
If this was true (which I don't think it is) I think the leafs dodged a bullet. He's just another Babcock old school clone.
I've respected them but never had a soft spot for the Oilers. However, I wouldn't be distressed if the best player in the league got to skate around with the Cup over his head. I'm partial to CDN teams. I can relate as I'm coming around to accept one of the best players in the league is not likely to do that in Toronto. Oilers are starting to remind me of the Alfredsson Sens - collect a bunch of great skaters but can't get themselves a decent goalie. I didn't think coaching was their problem.
dappleganger
Well-known member
That is quite the coincidence.
BULLDOGS NAME MICHAEL BABCOCK 6TH HEAD COACH IN FRANCHISE HISTORY - Brantford Bulldogs
BRANTFORD, ONTARIO. Brantford Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman today announced the naming of Michael Babcock as the 6th head coach in franchise history making Babcock the youngest to lead the Bulldogs bench. Babcock, 31, has called Saskatoon home but been a journey through the hockey...
chl.ca
Maybe he was a favourite but there's no way they were ready to hire him on Friday when the second round of interviews haven't even happened yet.
Average length a NHL coach lasts is 2.3 yrs
Matthews next contract can't be signed until July 1, 2027
What can Chayka tell the prospective coaching candidates whose employment depends on winning hockey games?
A coach like Laviolette is in his 60s with just a few years left. He needs to get winning now.
LA was a playoff team so he has some kind of a chance there ...
Reportedly, the Leafs claim to want coaching experience but experience would tell them the Leafs can't be sure if they're rebuilding or retooling
Trying to get an experienced coach might be a difficult sales job because of that
That could bleed over to their sales pitch to sign UFAs
Chayka is in a tough spot.
herman
Well-known member
Sounds like someone was just using Toronto’s interest for a little bit more oomph on the contract.
Maple Leafs plan to interview Joe Pavelski for head coach vacancy
An unexpected name surfaces in Toronto’s coaching search — Joe Pavelski. According to multiple sources, the Future Hall-of-Famer is on the Maple Leafs’ radar as the team begins the next phase of its interview process, with one describing him as a “Martin St. Louis-style candidate.”
June 08, 2026 - 7:22pm
We don't know what the change was, but how quickly did Dallas resign Nill when they started the GM search? Toronto is a threat or the other teams wouldn't be trying that desperately to keep or lock in once they've made a decision. I don't think they are just being used as leverage. The idea that they aren't going to get quality/experienced candidates because the team had a down year and has questions is overblown. It's a factor, but it's pure conjecture. And then you get the critiques that if they're experienced then they're retreads. No one will be happy unless it's the reincarnation of Conn Smythe.
I'm not concerned about the other teams.
I'm not even that concerned about the Leafs coach.
They've supposedly looked at 55. Short listed. And are now short listing again for in depth interviews.
Nothing wrong with that process.
The factors outside it could limit them with some candidates.
But they should land a credible coach.
My concern is I think Chayka is in a tough place with circumstances beyond his control. That's all.
I'm not his biggest fan. But he's the GM of our team so I'm hoping for the best.
I feel a little for him because he's starting out in a tough spot.
Not being able to lock in on whether he's retooling or rebuilding has to be a drag for planning and for convincing staff or players to join the organization.
I suspect an upcoming mulligan might be in order.
There may be one break happening for Chayka.
If Edmonton signs Babcock, I think all the coaching vacancies will be filled except the Leafs.
Cup final will be over by the 17th.
Vegas is on the hook for Cassidy's contract worth millions.
With Western NHL coaching vacancies filled, maybe Vegas lets Cassidy go to the Leafs because the chance of them facing him in the finals next year are pretty remote.
Whether Cassidy would want to take the job is probably the bigger question.
But the circumstances may be leading towards a break for Chayka if Cassidy wants to coach in Toronto
If Edmonton signs Babcock, I think all the coaching vacancies will be filled except the Leafs.
Cup final will be over by the 17th.
Vegas is on the hook for Cassidy's contract worth millions.
With Western NHL coaching vacancies filled, maybe Vegas lets Cassidy go to the Leafs because the chance of them facing him in the finals next year are pretty remote.
Whether Cassidy would want to take the job is probably the bigger question.
But the circumstances may be leading towards a break for Chayka if Cassidy wants to coach in Toronto
L K
Well-known member
This Babcock stuff is nuts. He burned his bridges in Detroit. He burned bridges in Toronto. He didn't even make it to the season to burn his bridges in Columbus. Now Darryl Katz is driving this hiring while his nepo baby son is interviewing him.
Today Oilers media trying hard to throw the "McDavid is committed to Edmonton" angle out in the press. It's amazing how much of a tire fire the Canadian franchises are.
Today Oilers media trying hard to throw the "McDavid is committed to Edmonton" angle out in the press. It's amazing how much of a tire fire the Canadian franchises are.
dappleganger
Well-known member
It is almost surreal.
There is some significant media backlash allegedly underway. I'm seeing some.
Saw a tweet that an Oiler will request a trade if it happens. (can't be sure that is real)
If they only tried this hard to land a goalie ...
In Vegas, Tortorella is saying "basically, I just have to shut up. This team doesn't panic. They already know how to play"
(Cassidy is receiving some credit for that ...)