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Leafs part ways with Berube

I meant to add that by all accounts the initial meeting Berube had with Chayka/Sundin reportedly went so well that people didn't think the firing was going to happen, so that note probably shouldn't mean too much. But it's a Rogers employee in Friedman confirming that a meeting did in fact happen.

Those Berube reports read to me like they were coming from Berube lol

Chayka and Sundin picked his brain for all the notes and firsthand scoops and then let him go gently.

Now they have about 15+ candidates’ worth of outside and inside assessments to build off of for free.
 
Because a coach usually needs 2 years to get a real system going and to get to know and grow with key personnel; Leafs can offer that easily at above market rates, where the USD salary goes a little bit farther in Canada. Coaching the Leafs also comes will all the perks of Toronto: MLSE travel and food and whatever accommodations for family.

Coaching this iteration of the Leafs gives a coach reasonably solid goaltending, a highly motivated AUSTON MATTHEWS, Nylander, Tavares, this year's 1st overall pick that they can develop from the ground up.

If the coach even does pretty okay, it's a playoff team. If the coach is one of those that's truly good, winning the Cup in Toronto is the pinnacle achievement.

"If the coach even does pretty okay, it's a playoff team."
I'd bet most of the posters on this site could put together a plan that would get them back in the playoffs.

Change in the coach would revolve around maximizing the talent they already have because the UFA market is so shallow - no big fancy/complicated hockey theories in the system - KISS principle - move away from Berube's disaster

"If the coach is one of those that's truly good, winning the Cup in Toronto is the pinnacle achievement."

That part isn't on my radar any time soon
 
Those Berube reports read to me like they were coming from Berube lol

Chayka and Sundin picked his brain for all the notes and firsthand scoops and then let him go gently.

Now they have about 15+ candidates’ worth of outside and inside assessments to build off of for free.

That is one positive about this process - hiring the GM, then the coach, AGM, etc
They take their exit interviews (players, coaches & staff) and add to all that input from all those candidates
It is bound to help them formulate a better plan.
They probably picked Carle's brain and got advice from a number of the candidates.
 
Friedman soft confirms, on today’s 32T, Carle is likely out, and opines that the Leafs inexperienced (out of the loop) executives are leaning towards an experienced coach to balance that, hence Roy and Laviolette candidacies.
 
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I'm still on Team Woodcroft, but of the more super experienced/recycled head coaches Laviolette would probably be at the top of my list. Roy, yeah no.
 
I'm kind of indifferent on the coach
Naturally, I'd like them to get a decent one.

If the plan is retool (and I think it is), the one consideration might be for a good enough coach to attract UFAs
It will be a tough UFA market. They could probably use all the help they can get there.
 
To be honest I kinda like this idea - a former player who understands the current crop of NHL players as he just finished playing with them, I think just from a psychological perspective this is an interesting strategy. Not some guy from the 80s/90s trying to force antiquated strategies... I could get behind this.
 
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