- John Chayka says Toronto’s coaching search is in its “final phases” with a decision due in days
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Western Michigan’s Pat Ferschweiler is among the finalists
- Read below for the full list of names linked to the Leafs job
The Maple Leafs are closing in on their next head coach.
New GM John Chayka hopped on a Zoom call Tuesday to break down Toronto’s trade with the Flyers, and the coaching search came up. He didn’t dodge it.
“We’re in the final phases. We’ve had some in-person meetings recently, and we’re getting down to decision time. Should be in the next several days,” Chayka said.
One of the names near the front of the line is a bit of a surprise. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Tuesday that Western Michigan’s Pat Ferschweiler is among the finalists for the job.
Ferschweiler, 56, isn’t a household name around the NHL, but his college résumé is loud. He took the Broncos to their first national title in 2025, went 34-7-1, swept the NCHC, and was named national coach of the year before beating Boston University in the final.
Last season didn’t end with another banner. Western Michigan went 26-10-1 and lost to eventual champion Denver in the regional final.
Watch the Broncos finish the job in St. Louis:
The pro game isn’t foreign to him either. Ferschweiler spent four seasons as a Red Wings assistant under Jeff Blashill from 2015 to 2019.
Those comments came from the media availability set up to explain Toronto’s deal that sent Joseph Woll to Philadelphia:
He’s not the only name in the mix. Friedman and others have linked Patrick Roy, Jay Woodcroft, and Joe Pavelski to the opening, with Peter Laviolette out of the running after taking the Kings job.
Chayka put a clock on it himself. The next few days should hand Leafs fans their answer.
