In response to a number of reviews, the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ personnel are drawing curiosity from across the NHL. Over the previous few weeks, there had been hypothesis that staff president Brendan Shanahan was on the New York Islanders’ radar. That hypothesis was confirmed in the present day. There was additionally information involving Lane Lambert, who might be within the operating for one more NHL head teaching job.
Islanders Granted Permission to Communicate With Shanahan
Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that the Maple Leafs have granted the Islanders permission to talk with Brendan Shanahan relating to a job of their entrance workplace. Shanahan has been with the group since 2014, when he was employed to guide a significant overhaul and get the staff again on monitor. Eleven years later, the Leafs have simply three playoff collection wins to point out for it—and now, it appears to be like like his time in Toronto is coming to an finish. His contract is about to run out on June 30, and in the present day’s information suggests he received’t be returning.
Chris Johnston reported earlier in the present day that the Maple Leafs have already got a plan in place if Shanahan does depart. “Within the occasion the group decides to maneuver on from him, the staff will doubtless transfer ahead with out a staff president for the foreseeable future,” he wrote in The Athletic (“What I’m listening to about Brendan Shanahan’s future with the Maple Leafs,” Could 21, 2025). If that’s the course they go, common supervisor Brad Treliving may tackle much more duty subsequent season.
Kraken Granted Permission to Communicate With Lambert
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that affiliate coach Lane Lambert has additionally been granted permission to speak with the Seattle Kraken. The Kraken are at the moment available in the market for a brand new head coach and have been linked to some large names—like Rick Tocchet, however with him signing with the Philadelphia Flyers—it now appears to be like like Lambert is firmly within the combine.
Associated: Key Takeaways From the Maple Leafs’ Finish-of-Season Media Availability
Lambert was beforehand head coach of the Islanders from 2022 to 2024 earlier than being let go and changed by Patrick Roy. He joined the Maple Leafs this previous offseason as an affiliate coach with hopes of serving to the staff take a step ahead. Whereas the Leafs fell in need of their final purpose, Lambert made a robust impression and has now earned one other shot at a head teaching position. Dreger additionally talked about Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love and Pittsburgh Penguins assistant David Quinn as different potential candidates for the Kraken job.
With groups exhibiting curiosity in each Shanahan and Lambert—and the Leafs giving them permission to speak—it might be an early signal that much more modifications are coming than most anticipated following Toronto’s Sport 7 loss to the Florida Panthers.
