Report: 'Unexpected Candidate’ Joe Pavelski Emerges in Maple Leafs Coach Search

In a ‘surprising twist’, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly seriously considering recently retired future Hall of Famer Joe Pavelski for their head coaching vacancy.

Joe Pavelski is on the Maple Leafs' radar as the team begins the next phase of its interview process in the search for its next head coach, per @FriedgeHNIC. pic.twitter.com/L7jhD5QTtR
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 7, 2026

Insider Elliotte Friedman reports on Sportsnet.ca:

Out of nowhere, an unexpected name surfaces in Toronto’s coaching search — Joe Pavelski.
According to multiple sources, the Future Hall-of-Famer is on the Maple Leafs’ radar as the team begins the next phase of its interview process, with one describing him as a “Martin St. Louis-style candidate."

The longtime San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars legend retired at the end of the 2023-24 season. He has no professional head coaching experience. He has coached in minor hockey, including his own son's team.

"It’s an interesting twist, as Toronto backed away from some other candidates due to a lack of experience," Friedman wrote.

"It’s hard to handicap his chances of getting the job, but they are interested in him, and those same sources indicate he’s not shying away from the possibility."

Pavelski, in 18 seasons and 1,332 NHL games, recorded 476 goals and 592 assists for 1,068 points and a plus/minus rating of +201.