Earlier Tuesday, during a zoom call to discuss Toronto’s trade with Philadelphia, GM John Chayka was asked about the Maple Leafs’ coaching search.
“We’re in the final phases,” he answered. “We’ve had some in-person meetings recently and we’re getting down to decision-time. Should be in the next several days.”
Different names — some unique, some familiar — have been linked to this search, from David Carle to Dallas Eakins to Peter Laviolette to Joe Pavelski.
Here’s another: Pat Ferschweiler.
He’s spent the past five seasons as head coach at NCAA Western Michigan, winning a National Championship in 2025. Prior to that, Ferschweiler, who is 56, spent one year as an assistant coach at AHL Grand Rapids and four with the Red Wings alongside Jeff Blashill.
The Maple Leafs have done a pretty good job of keeping several contenders’ names out of the limelight – and I think there are some others to discover before the official announcement.