Cassidy Open to Maple Leafs Coaching Job, Should They Wait? – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Bruce Cassidy is desperate to coach again in the NHL. It’s no wonder he’s said he’d be open to any vacancy, including the one in Toronto, where the NHL’s most valuable franchise has taken its time and talked to more than 50 candidates.

While there’s no indication the Toronto Maple Leafs have actually reached out to the Vegas Golden Knights for permission to interview him and add Cassidy to a very long list, it might be wise to hold off on hiring their next head coach—at least for a few more days.

Cassidy Could Become Available In About a Week

June 17 marks the latest possible end date of the Stanley Cup Final, and with it comes the potential availability of Bruce Cassidy, the former Golden Knights coach who is arguably the most accomplished coach still on the market.

The Golden Knights have so far denied Cassidy permission to speak with other teams, but there is growing belief that the stance could change once their postseason concludes. And, given that Toronto is out east, they fare much better odds of being granted access than a Western Conference club like the Edmonton Oilers or Los Angeles Kings (who hired Peter Laviolette this week).

Toronto is in no rush. New general manager John Chayka has noted there is no “artificial timeline” for hiring a coach, particularly with free agency still weeks away. They’re moving slowly, interviewing veteran coaches and rookie bench bosses like Joe Pavelski. Maybe Cassidy is never granted an interview. Maybe he’s not “the guy” in Toronto. It wouldn’t hurt to find out.

Cassidy Would Jump at the Chance in Toronto

Cassidy, 61, has already expressed openness to new opportunities, saying he would have interest in “any opening” and would be willing to explore a fit with the Leafs if given permission. And why not? He’s unafraid of a challenge. He’s a coach who likes to push hard, which the Maple Leafs could use, and he knows what Toronto needs.

After being dismissed by Vegas late in the regular season, he has made it clear he’s eager to get back behind the bench. To get the opportunity to work in the biggest hockey market with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and, of course, potentially Gavin McKenna, the job is attractive.

Jonas Siegel of The Athletic writes:

“While noting the team had an “interesting” roster with stars, vets and young players on the rise, the Leafs GM said, “We’re looking for a coach that has the experience of dealing with a lot of those things and has some versatility in their structure and approach, and can take this team to the next level.”

source – ‘Bruce Cassidy is open to the Maple Leafs. They should wait for a chance to talk’ – Jonas Siegel – The Athletic – 06-10-2026

This sounds like the right environment for a former Stanley Cup-winning coach. He led Vegas to a championship in 2023 and guided the Boston Bruins to the Final in 2019. His experience pushing teams through the playoffs and managing rosters might be what gives him an edge over everyone else the Leafs have spoken to.

What Do the Maple Leafs Really Want?

The question becomes, what does Toronto really want? Some of that might depend on the opinion of their captain. In Edmonton, it’s become clear that the team’s leadership identified Mike Babcock as the guy they thought could push that specific group. What does Matthews want? How would Nylander feel about a hard-nosed guy like Cassidy?

With limited elite options remaining, maybe it’s worth finding out.