The Vegas Golden Knights were hoping that Bruce Cassidy would stay out of the Pacific Division for his next gig. They preferred that he would go to a place like Toronto, where he would coach the historic Maple Leafs. However, it appears that the Maple Leafs are closing in on David Carle as their head coach.
According to Jonah Sigel of the Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs will eventually name the 36-year-old as their next head coach. He's well-known as the head coach for the University of Denver's men's ice hockey team, who were the three-time NCAA champions under his reign.
He also had two gold medals in the IIHF World Junior Championships (2024 and 2025), carrying a record of 208-85-20 during his coaching career. Thus, he carries an excellent pedigree heading into his potential new gig. But that's not the only name that the Maple Leafs are looking at.
Rumor has it that Toronto is closely monitoring the situation in Denver. The Colorado Avalanche are exploring their options at the head coaching position, which could include firing Jared Bednar. That's right, dear reader. The same guy who led the Avalanche to a Presidents' Trophy winner. How crazy would that be?
I mean, it's not as crazy when you consider what the Golden Knights did this season to Bruce Cassidy. Relieving a head coach who won a Stanley Cup in his first season of his duties? That doesn't seem so far-fetched when you consider what Vegas did to get to the Stanley Cup Final with John Tortorella.
Why the latest Toronto Maple Leafs news isn't good for the Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights have made their intentions clear regarding Bruce Cassidy's availability for interviewing certain teams. Nothing will get into motion while the team's in their current Stanley Cup run, leaving the former Stanley Cup winner in limbo. That's especially true with the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings, who are eyeing the former Golden Knights coach for their services.
The latest news puts a potential damper on Kelly McCrimmon's plans for handling the situation. That's one less suitor for the Golden Knights to consider outside of their division. What's more, it's a historic franchise with prestige and legacy, putting a heavier burden on the general manager's plans.
Add in the speculation of Connor McDavid re-evaluating his options and it makes life even harder. The combination of the world's best hockey player and one of the league's best head coaches would make Toronto instant Stanley Cup contenders.
Alas, it seems that the Maple Leafs are hearing the stories of Cassidy's past spats and temper flare-ups. In a league where head coaches are having shorter tenures, it would be business as usual in Toronto. Cassidy wouldn't last two or three seasons with the Maple Leafs, leaving him out of a job on a collapsed team.
Still, the Golden Knights can only hope that Toronto changes its course and goes all-in on Cassidy. It would take all the stress out of their current situation, leaving them to focus on their Pacific Division hegemony. Who knows? Maybe McDavid actually does join him there, too.
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