Elliotte Friedman reveals Toronto Maple Leafs' target for head coach

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Graham Montgomery
May 16, 2024 (11:25 PM)

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NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on 32 thoughts this morning that the Toronto Maple Leafs are leaning towards Craig Berube to fill their void at head coach next season.

Friedman admitted on his daily show this morning that the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be set on Craig Berube. At this point, it seems like the only thing upholding an announcement is that the team and coach are finalizing the details of their agreement.

Craig Berube «is the Leafs guy», it's just a matter of when the deal gets finalized. [via: @FriedgeHNIC]

This was backed up by fellow insider Pierre LeBrun, who reported on TSN's Overdrive today that Berube remains the favorite to land the Leafs head coach position. As such, all signs seem to be pointing to the Leafs pulling the trigger on Berube at some point in the coming days. Perhaps his signing will kick off a series of moves as other teams look to secure their new bench bosses while they are still available.

"Craig Berube is very much the frontrunner for the Maple Leafs head coaching position. The conversations have been going well."

@PierreVLeBrun joins to discuss the latest on the Maple Leafs' head coaching search and Craig Berube being at the top of the list.

#LeafsForever

TSN reporter Chris Johnston has stated that he believes the Leafs have a backup candidate in case Berube suddenly decides to sign elsewhere. That would be none other than Todd McLellan, a seasoned veteran with more than 1100 games of experience as a head coach, split between San Jose, Edmonton, and LA.

"At this point in time, [Craig] Berube and [Todd] McLellan certainly are the favourites." 👀

@reporterchris has an update on the Maple Leafs' coaching search on the latest #CJShow.

#LeafsForever

That being said, it seems like McLellan might be looking for a position elsewhere if it turns out that the Leafs really are set on Berube. Hopefully we will know for sure what the Leafs will do at some point soon.

Source: PuckReporter
Elliotte Friedman leaks the next Leafs coach and reason for delay