Toronto Maple Leafs have permission to speak with Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft as a potential head coach replacement. Jay Woodcroft is among the candidates being considered, with reports indicating the Leafs have spoken with as many as 20 people via Zoom and will begin in-person interviews after the Draft Combine in Buffalo. Derek Lalonde previously interviewed, and the Leafs remain in contact with David Carle about a potential partnership. Woodcroft has assistant coaching experience with the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks, and he served as Edmonton Oilers head coach from 2021 to 2023, reaching the Western Conference Finals and making two straight playoff appearances. His work is credited with improving young players and power-play performance, including offensive gains for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
"The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly been granted permission to speak with Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft, according to The Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga. Alberga also reported that the former head coach of the Edmonton Oilers is high on their list for potential candidates to replace Craig Berube. NHL Insider Frank Seravalli noted the Los Angeles Kings interviewed Woodcroft last week, while the Leafs have spoken with as many as 20 people over Zoom and are expected to begin in-person interviews after the conclusion of the Draft Combine next week in Buffalo."
"Woodcroft is the latest head coach candidate to have an interview with the Leafs. Assistant coach Derek Lalonde reportedly had his interview last week, while the Leafs remain in contact with David Carle about a potential partnership. Given the fact that the list of candidates is as high as 20 and that Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggested it will be a fresh face, it certainly opens the door to the possibility of an unorthodox hire with fresh ideas like Jussi Ahokas."
"In the case of Woodcroft, he is not a new name among NHL circles as he has ample experience as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks. There is also his aforementioned stint with the Oilers as their head coach from 2021 to 2023, which included a trip to the Western Conference Finals and two consecutive playoff appearances before he was fired. That experience played a big part in why the Ducks this past season experienced a big turnaround and were able to push the Vegas Golden Knights to six games in the second round."
"Woodcroft has experience leading young, talented players and elevating their play while manning a lethal power-play, as evidenced by the offensive boost that the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl experienced while under his watch. Given how anemic the likes of Auston Matthews and William Nylander looked from an offensive standpoint, bringing in someone like Woodcroft who would champion th"
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