Joe Pavelski Among Final Five in Maple Leafs Head Coaching Search

Joe Pavelski is now a finalist for the head coaching position with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The forward, who has never coached in the NHL, is among five candidates set to meet with the team in person as they continue their search for a new bench boss.

Pierre LeBrun confirmed the development on TSN’s Overdrive, stating that Pavelski is one of the final five interviewees. “It’s been confirmed to me in the last few minutes that Joe Pavelski is among those five remaining candidates that are scheduled for in-person interviews with the Maple Leafs today,” LeBrun said. Peter Laviolette, who recently took the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Kings, is no longer in the running.

Elliotte Friedman also weighed in on the situation, saying Pavelski is in the mix for a spot in the final round of interviews. “I think Pavelski is gonna be one of them,” Friedman said on The Fan Hockey Show. “Based on what I’ve been told, I’m sure he’s going to be one of them.”

Pavelski, 39, brings a wealth of playing experience but no coaching background at the pro level. He has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL, but the leap to the NHL is a major one. The Maple Leafs are in a win-now window with a loaded roster, making the hiring decision all the more critical.

Jay Woodcroft is considered the top candidate for the job, but Pavelski’s inclusion in the final group shows the Leafs are keeping their options open. Nick Kypreos expressed skepticism on the move, saying, “I don’t understand how they feel that Joe Pavelski can come from never coaching in his life to coming to this market in Toronto.” Kypreos also pointed out that Martin St. Louis, who took over the Montreal Canadiens with no NHL coaching experience, has a different situation to manage.

Pavelski played 1,267 NHL games and was a key leader for the San Jose Sharks, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2016. He has also represented the United States in multiple international tournaments, including a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The Maple Leafs are expected to make a decision in the coming weeks as they prepare for the 2026–27 season. With Pavelski in the mix, the team is sending a clear signal: they are willing to take a risk on a player-turned-coach with a strong hockey IQ and leadership background.