The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be on the verge of appointing a new head coach, though the situation remains uncertain.
This week, it was reported that Craig Berube, a previous coach of the St. Louis Blues, visited the city to engage with the team's leadership. He was already listed as a frontrunner atdeereplanet.com (as part of ourOntario betting sites providing coverage on this matter, and the initial report by Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet prompted us to adjust our odds for the 58-year-old coach. Friedman believes that Berube, who led the Blues to victory in the 2019 Stanley Cup, is the top candidate for the position.
Nonetheless, another coach recently dismissed during the last regular season is quickly rising in the odds list. Todd McLellan, who was let go by the Los Angeles Kings shortly before the All-Star Game, also met with the management. Previously considered a long shot at +4450, he is now our second favorite.
Just a friendly note: these odds are for informational entertainment only. You won't find them available atOntario sports betting apps . They won’t be there.
Toronto Maple Leafs Next Head Coach
Name |
Odds |
Percent Chance |
Craig Berube |
+250 |
28.6% |
Todd McCellan |
+600 |
14.3% |
Gerard Gallant |
+700 |
12.5% |
Joel Quenneville |
+2700 |
3.6% |
Mike Sullivan |
+4050 |
2.4% |
Rod Brind’Amour |
+4450 |
2.2% |
The Field |
+175 |
36.4% |
Top Leafs Next Coach Contenders
Last week, after parting ways with Sheldon Keefe, the Leafs' general manager Brad Treliving informed reporters that the quest for a new coach would be both swift and comprehensive. Despite the Maple Leafs' coaching position being among the most sought after in the NHL, they are not the sole team with an opening. Reports indicate that Berube has also had discussions with the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets regarding their coaching vacancies. For information on teams still in the playoffs, please refer to ourStanley Cup odds page dedicated to playoff contenders.
As we discussed previously, both Berube and Gerard Gallant, a former coach of the Vegas Golden Knights and New York Rangers, who currently ranks as our third favorite, have previously taken teams to the Stanley Cup finals. This achievement is absent from McLellan’s track record. Over 16 seasons, although some of them were partial, he led the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and Kings to the playoffs a total of nine times. Six of those playoff appearances occurred during his early coaching years with the Sharks. He brought the Kings to the postseason in both 2022 and 2023 but did not advance beyond the first round.
The individual who eventually occupies the coaching role for the Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena could find themselves managing a significantly transformed roster compared to what the team had under Keefe in recent seasons.Mitch Marner might be moved Moreover, he is in the last year of his contract, and the Leafs might consider trading him to another team that would be interested in signing the 27-year-old winger to a new contract. This strategic move could also open up opportunities for the Maple Leafs to make additional roster changes, such as acquiring a new goaltender to either support Joseph Woll or challenge the 25-year-old for the primary goaltending position.
Chances For Brind’Amour Fading?
Could it be that Toronto is biding its time to evaluate the situation with Carolina's coach Rod Brind'Amour? The Hurricanes were considered favorites for the Stanley Cup not long ago but now find themselves down 3-0 against the Rangers in the second playoff round (Caesars Ontario Sportsbook with the Florida Panthers currently favored at +275 odds to win the Cup). Carolina managed to win the last two games in this best-of-seven series, making things intriguing. However, if they lose tonight at home or in New York this Saturday, their season could come to an abrupt end, potentially freeing up the sixth-year head coach. His contract expires this season, and although he has expressed a wish to remain in Carolina, there has yet to be an announcement regarding a new contract.
As the Hurricanes continue their comeback, our odds for Brind'Amour have increased, while those for current Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan and seasoned coach Joel Quenneville, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, have been adjusted as well.
In relation to the Hurricanes and the odds for the Stanley Cup playoffs, their chances of winning are currently listed at +1000 onSports Interaction Ontario Sportsbook. The Rangers' odds sit at +500. The Florida Panthers lead at +270, closely followed by the Dallas Stars at +300 and the Edmonton Oilers at +475.
