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The next few weeks (likely it will take that long) will be mostly occupied with sightings and reports of head coaching candidates being interviewed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and not surprisingly a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on his “32 Thoughts” podcast on Monday indicated that the Leafs interviewed former Philadelphia and St. Louis head coach Craig Berube on Saturday for the job.
The Stanley Cup-winning bench boss was fired by the Blues in December, and the 58-year-old is rumored to be a candidate for other head coaching positions, including the vacant New Jersey Devils job. Friedman reports the Devils are serious about Berube and other candidates like former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, but that the sudden availability of Sheldon Keefe has slowed down the process.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on the weekend that the Leafs gave New Jersey permission to speak to their former head coach, and there may be other clubs that reach out to Toronto for permission to talk to Keefe, but it is unknown whether he is interested in taking a new job, since he has two years left on an extension signed with the Leafs last summer.
Friedman also reported that the Leafs may be interviewing former San Jose and Los Angeles head coach Todd McLellan, and speculated whether other veteran bench bosses like Gerard Gallant will get a look.
Although not mentioned in the report, if the process stretches deeper into May, the speculation may increase of Toronto having interest in Rod Brind’Amour (whose contract with Carolina expires after the season) and three-time Cup winner Joel Quenneville. Brind’Amour was reported to have an extension on the desk with the Hurricanes, but their possible second-round exit to the Rangers might have Tom Dundon changing his mind.
Quenneville’s availability would be contingent on NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman giving clearance. The 65-year-old has not coached in nearly three seasons, but outwardly he would seem to be the most qualified candidate, but that does not take into consideration the PR firestorm that would occur at the outset if he was hired.
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Another note of interest from 32 Thoughts, KHL free agent forward Maxim Tsyplakov is expected to make a decision sometime this week. According to Friedman, the 25-year-old spoke to Toronto earlier in the season and the Leafs have interest in the 6’2”. 189 lb. forward, who tripled his goal total from 2023 and finished fourth in the KHL with 31 goals.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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