Overview
- Over the weekend a fake social‑media post claimed Denver coach David Carle was a done deal to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs and multiple NHL insiders quickly debunked the report.
- Sources say Toronto’s new GM John Chayka and senior adviser Mats Sundin did speak with Carle but he politely declined a formal interview and is not taking the job now.
- The Maple Leafs continue an active, selective search with other interviews reported, including one with Derek Lalonde, and no official hire has been announced.
- Reporting traced the viral claim to an imposter account that mimicked an NHL insider, highlighting how false posts can spread in high‑profile hiring stories.
- The outcome matters because Chayka’s coaching choice is tied to wider decisions on the roster, the No. 1 draft pick and the future of players such as Auston Matthews, while Carle’s track record and preference to remain in college explain his reluctance to move to the NHL.