Overview
- Reports from this week show the Leafs moved Patrick Roy and Peter Laviolette into the interview stage after a larger screening that used roughly 15 virtual conversations.
- The New York Islanders granted permission for Toronto to speak with Roy, and multiple outlets say in‑person meetings are now underway as the club narrows candidates.
- The club’s pool also included Jay Woodcroft, Dallas Eakins, Derek Lalonde and Mike Van Ryn, reflecting a mix of veteran NHL bench coaches and internal options.
- Toronto’s front office has framed the hire as central to team identity, weighing whether a coach will emphasize structure and accountability or creativity and player freedom.
- The search follows Craig Berube’s firing and the arrival of GM John Chayka and Mats Sundin, and the final choice could shape development of prospects and the short‑term outlook for stars such as Auston Matthews.