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Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly zeroing in on University of Denver coach David CarleThe Toronto Maple Leafs' search for a new head coach appears to be narrowing, and all signs are pointing toward one name: David Carle, the highly regarded bench boss at the University of Denver. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the organization is actively "working through" the steps needed to bring Carle into the fold as the franchise's next head coach.
The news, which Friedman shared during an appearance on the Donnie and Dhali podcast, suggests that Toronto's front office has at least internally settled on its preferred candidate. However, wanting Carle and actually landing him are two very different things, and the Leafs may face a significant challenge in getting the deal done.
A Fierce Battle for Carle's Services
The biggest obstacle standing between Toronto and its top coaching target is the Colorado Avalanche. Reports indicate that Colorado, which is on the verge of being swept out of the playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights, could be looking at a coaching shakeup of its own. And if that happens, Carle sits right at the top of their wish list.
What makes the Avalanche such a formidable competitor in this pursuit is geography and familiarity. Carle has been entrenched in the Denver hockey scene since 2009, building deep roots in the community and establishing himself as one of the most promising young coaching minds in the sport. That lengthy history in Colorado gives the Avalanche a natural advantage that the Leafs will need to overcome with a compelling pitch of their own.
Friedman acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that everyone involved is trying to figure out just how realistic it is to pry Carle away from Denver. He suggested that Toronto's immediate goal is simply to get Carle to seriously consider the opportunity and weigh what the Leafs can offer against the pull of staying in Colorado.
"I think everybody's trying to gauge what the possibility is really," Friedman explained. "I do think Toronto wants to make Carle at least think about them, and see if they can do that."
Bruce Cassidy Appears to Be Out of the Picture
While the Carle pursuit takes center stage, another notable development has emerged from Friedman's reporting. Former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, who many fans and analysts had speculated could be a candidate for the Leafs' vacancy, does not appear to be part of Toronto's plans.
Friedman was fairly direct on the matter, stating that he is not convinced Cassidy will end up behind the Leafs' bench. He went even further, suggesting that Toronto may not have even reached out to the Golden Knights to request permission to speak with the veteran coach. While Friedman noted that Cassidy's reputation around the league remains strong and that he should have no trouble finding his next opportunity, it simply does not seem like that opportunity will come in Toronto.
This revelation helps clarify the direction the Leafs are heading. Rather than opting for a proven NHL commodity with extensive playoff experience, the organization appears to be prioritizing a fresh voice from outside the professional ranks. Carle, who has built a powerhouse program at the University of Denver, represents a different kind of hire, one that could signal a new philosophical approach for a franchise that has been searching for the right coaching fit for years.
The coming days and weeks should provide more clarity on whether Toronto can successfully lure Carle away from the college game. Much may depend on what happens with Colorado's coaching situation and whether the Avalanche formally enter the race. For now, the Leafs have made their preference known, and the ball is very much in David Carle's court.