According to reports, a popular choice to replace Marc Savard can be crossed off the Maple Leafs' list
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images
While many are wondering if the Leafs will look for outside help to replace Marc Savard, we can confidently cross off Bruce Boudreau after recent reports.
The Toronto Maple Leafs ripped off the bandaid last night when they decided to fire assistant coach Marc Savard, who was in charge of the once lethal power play that now sits dead last in the NHL.
No immediate replacement was named as prominent insiders revealed that the Leafs would be looking at in-house options to take over Savard's old post, which could mean either assistant coach Derek Lalonde, head coach Craig Berube, or another coach in the Leafs' system.
Many are hoping the Leafs would look for outside help, like former head coach Bruce Boudreau. The always popular head coach turned analyst could be a perfect fit for the Leafs bench, but according to reports from Nick Alberga of 'LeafsNation', the veteran bench boss was never contacted.
It makes sense considering the fact that Boudreau has never played the role of an assistant coach in his NHL career and still has aspirations of being a head coach. His last gig was with the Vancouver Canucks, in which he lasted 2 seasons from 2021-2023.
The Leafs could assuredly use a new voice behind their bench to help with their downtrodden power play that has mysteriously gone from being in the top-10 to the basement of the league in the same calendar year.
Mitch Marner's departure assuredly played a part as his playmaking abilities were best suited for the vaunted power play, but the Leafs still employ the likes of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, which begs the question of what went wrong.
With a new set of eyes now fixated on the power play, it will be interesting to see if any changes are implemented. The Leafs have tried out a lot of different combinations in recent weeks, but perhaps a fresh start is what the doctor ordered.
For the time being, it sounds like they're going to hope that the answers lie within the organization. However, if things continue to falter and the power play remains wretched, look for the Maple Leafs to go outside their comfort zone and hire a new voice midway through the season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 24 | 709 ANSWERS According to reports, a popular choice to replace Marc Savard can be crossed off the Maple Leafs' list Would you prefer the Maple Leafs hired Bruce Boudreau as their new assistant coach? | ||
| Yes | 514 | 72.5 % |
| No | 195 | 27.5 % |
| List of polls | ||