Former Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette possibly being considered for open Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs jobs (report)

Peter Laviolette could be considered for head coaching roles with the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams recently fired their previous coaches after disappointing seasons, with Edmonton eliminated in the first round and Toronto missing the playoffs. Laviolette’s availability may be affected by timing and other teams’ interest, since he could attract multiple opportunities if interviews are delayed. He did not coach in the NHL during the most recent season, marking his first full year without an NHL job since earlier lockout-related circumstances. His coaching background includes leading multiple NHL franchises and prior roles in the ECHL, AHL, and as an assistant in Boston.

"“I think Laviolette has already moved up the depth chart (for the Oilers),” Johnston said. “The fact that Vegas has signaled, at the earliest, they're going to allow Bruce Cassidy to talk to Edmonton, LA, or someone else is when their playoffs end. We don't even know if he gets to that point - if Vegas will soften its stance and allow him to actually go forward with any interviews. I think if you're managing this from the Oilers' side, you just don't control that. It's apparent the NHL isn't going to step in and do anything on your behalf, so naturally, you have to look at other options, and there aren't many.”"

"“There's some risk attached with waiting well into the summer, starting with the fact that I think Peter Laviolette will be of interest in Toronto as well, maybe LA, not as sure there. In the meantime, he might get a job somewhere else.”"

"Laviolette did not coach in the NHL this past season, his first-ever full year without a job, outside of the 2004-05 lockout, since he became the head coach of the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers during the 1997-98 campaign. He then spent two years in the AHL as head coach of the Providence Bruins, became an assistant for the Boston Bruins in 2000, and, since the 2001-02 season, has led the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers."

Read at RMNB