Why Patrick Roy Tops Maple Leafs Coaching Shortlist

The Maple Leafs conducted 15 interviews for their head coaching vacancy after parting ways with Craig Berube.

Roy Brings Proven Youth Development

Patrick Roy spent 13 years coaching in the QMJHL and captured two Memorial Cup titles. That experience directly supports Toronto’s incoming 2026 first overall pick and prospects including Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov. Roy also played for the Montreal Canadiens, giving him familiarity with the pressures of a Canadian market.

Roy guided the New York Islanders through parts of three seasons without advancing past the first round in 2023-24 and missing the playoffs in the subsequent two campaigns. His style emphasizes higher intensity and passion, which addresses Toronto’s documented struggles with post-loss bounces and extended slumps.

The 32 available NHL head coaching positions make the Leafs job attractive to Roy. He would inherit Auston Matthews after two injury-plagued seasons and William Nylander, providing immediate star power alongside draft assets. John Chayka would gain a high-profile name if he prioritizes brand value.

Laviolette Offers Veteran Pedigree

Peter Laviolette coached 1,594 regular-season games and 170 playoff games before his dismissal by the New York Rangers after the 2024-25 season. He secured the Stanley Cup in 2005-06 yet has not returned to the final in four subsequent stops.

Laviolette’s win-now reputation could match Chayka’s timeline, but his extensive history may deter the new GM from selecting another established coach. The Leafs instead appear inclined toward fresher approaches following the Berube era.

Lalonde and Van Ryn Represent Internal Continuity

Derek Lalonde served as an assistant under Berube in 2025-26 and previously coached the Detroit Red Wings for two seasons. He won two Stanley Cups as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning and oversaw Toronto’s penalty kill that finished eighth league-wide at an 81.2 percent success rate. His demanding yet positive approach earned respect, though Chayka signaled a preference for a complete staff overhaul.

Mike Van Ryn has assisted in Toronto since 2023 after winning a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues. Earlier roles with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL and Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL demonstrated skill with younger rosters. Internal familiarity has not translated into an earlier hiring announcement, reducing his prospects relative to external options.

Chayka Weighs Experience Against Fresh Starts

The search remains wide and deep, with Chayka emphasizing varied backgrounds. Roy’s combination of junior success, market knowledge and motivational edge gives him the edge in the current ranking from most to least likely. Laviolette supplies proven NHL mileage that could accelerate contention, while Lalonde and Van Ryn offer continuity that the front office appears ready to bypass.