"Looking a bit further down the call list potentially means that the Leafs can offer shorter-term contracts, and if there is one day the option to pivot towards someone like Jon Cooper, Jared Bednar, or Rod Brind'Amour in the future, the Leafs won't be caught in a lengthy debate with the MLSE board over severance packages."
"Some of the coaches I'd suggest the Leafs look at who might fit with John Chayka's analytic driven approach to team building are guys like John Stevens, Davis Payne, and Brad Shaw. All three had short stints or a couple of short stints as NHL head coaches, and all three come with opposite philosophies to Craig Berube, where they seem to prefer their team having the puck and dictating the pace of the game."
"Shaw comes with a strong defensive background, which could make him a worthwhile candidate for addressing the biggest issue facing the Leafs. Stevens has a background that shows an ability to balance physical/possession hockey, and Davis Payne might be the stronger option to play into the team's strengths."
"In addition to those retread options, Willie Desjardins of the Medicine Hat Tigers could be worth considering, as he would bring some level of familiarity with Gavin McKenna if the Leafs are intending to draft him, and also comes with coaching experience from his time as the bench boss in Vancouver and Los Angeles, as well as a productive run in the Dallas Stars organization."
The Leafs have multiple potential coaching names to consider, including lesser-known “retread” options rather than marquee choices. Looking further down the call list could allow shorter-term contracts and future flexibility to pivot toward established coaches without extended severance debates. Suggested candidates include John Stevens, Davis Payne, and Brad Shaw, each with brief NHL head-coaching experience and philosophies that emphasize puck possession and controlling game pace. Shaw’s defensive background could address the Leafs’ biggest issue, Stevens balances physical and possession hockey, and Payne may better fit the team’s strengths. Willie Desjardins is also suggested for familiarity with Gavin McKenna and experience from Vancouver, Los Angeles, and a productive Dallas Stars run.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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