The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively seeking a new head coach, with several names circulating as potential candidates. Among the rumored contenders are Bruce Cassidy, Manny Malhotra, Jack Capuano, David Carle, Mike Yeo, John Gruden, Joe Sacco, Pascal Vincent, Peter Laviolette, Gerard Gallant, Steve Sullivan, and Dean Evason. However, some reports suggest Cassidy might be leaning towards the Edmonton Oilers or the Los Angeles Kings, making his move to Toronto less likely. The Maple Leafs are also reportedly looking at candidates with prior NHL head coaching experience, such as Bruce Boudreau, Dean Evason, Peter Laviolette, and Patrick Roy, as well as those seeking a second chance like Kris Knoblauch, Todd Nelson, and Jay Woodcroft. A fresh perspective might come from Misha Donskov, Jay Leach, and Manny Malhotra, while internal options include John Gruden, Derek Lalonde, and Steve Sullivan. Jussi Ahokas and David Carle appear to be off the table.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars face a significant challenge in re-signing pending RFA forward Jason Robertson, who is expected to command a contract worth at least $12 million. With approximately $11 million in projected salary cap space and the need to acquire additional forwards, the Stars may be forced to make trades to free up cap room. Potential trade candidates include Radek Faksa, who has two years remaining on his contract at $2 million per season and is valued for his penalty-killing abilities but might require surgery. Sam Steel, with one year left at $2.1 million, has shown offensive promise and is also a capable penalty killer. Defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, in the final year of his deal at $3.25 million, played limited games last season and could be a trade option, though re-signing Alexander Petrovic would be a more economical choice. Tyler Myers, acquired for draft picks and with one year left at $1.5 million, had a difficult playoff performance and might be considered for a move, though Lyubushkin could be prioritized for a trade over Myers.
