Insider says ex-Leafs coach could be returning to Toronto with Berube

Friedman revealed the news on Friday, following the official announcement from the Leafs that Berube had been hired as the 32nd coach in franchise history. The move for Smith is conditional , based on whether he opts to leave Los Angeles, who took him on as assistant coach after the Senators fired him on Dec. 18, 2023.

Smith was the Leafs' assistant coach from 2015-2019 before taking on a head coaching gig in Ottawa until his recent firing. He was also assistant coach on Canada's 2022 and 2023 World Championship squads that won silver and gold respectively.

Marc Savard, who is currently under contract with the Flames, was another name mentioned by Friedman. Just before the weekend, a report from the Barn Burner podcast had Savard already heading to Toronto, though nothing is officially confirmed as of yet.

Toronto's assistant coach Dean Chynoweth is not under contract for next season, so perhaps we'll see Smith coming in to replace Chynoweth, if he does depart the organization.

Friedman also confirmed that Guy Boucher is still under contract for next season in Toronto. Hopefully he's not running the power play.