New Coach Promises Transparency
Dallas Eakins Poised to Coach Maple Leafs, Vowing Transparency and Open Communication
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Dallas Eakins is the top finalist to become the next head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to TSN. The veteran bench boss, currently coaching Adler Mannheim in Germany's top league, has told team officials he would bring "transparency" and open communication to a franchise coming off its worst season in nearly a decade.
The Leafs fired Craig Berube on May 13 after the team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. New GM John Chayka has since spoken to more than 55 coaching candidates, Daily Faceoff reported, and has narrowed the field to roughly five finalists.
Eakins Pitches Transparency to Reset Broken Locker Room
A source close to Eakins told Edmonton Sun that his pitch to Toronto is built on "open lines of communication" — a direct contrast to the tight-lipped style of the Berube era. TSN insider Darren Dreger confirmed on June 12 that Eakins is a "tier-one" finalist, according to Markerzone.
Eakins knows Toronto well. He was an assistant coach with the Leafs from 2006 to 2008. He then led the Toronto Marlies in the AHL from 2009 to 2013, reaching the 2012 Calder Cup Final. Analysts at Edmonton Journal say his time developing players in the minors is a key reason the new front office likes him.
A Rebuilding Front Office Sets Stage for New Era
The Leafs overhauled their front office in early May. MLSE hired John Chayka as GM on May 4 and brought in Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin as Senior Executive Advisor. Two weeks later, assistant GMs Brandon Pridham and Derek Clancey were let go, according to NHL.com.
Toronto then won the NHL Draft Lottery in late May, landing the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, Daily Faceoff reported. Chayka said he is focused on "conviction" over "artificial timelines" in finding the right coach to pair with that pick. Whoever gets hired will likely develop a generational prospect from day one.
Mixed Record Fuels Debate Over Risky Eakins Hire
Not everyone is sold. Eakins went .381 in Edmonton from 2013 to 2015 — one of the worst winning percentages in Oilers history — and .419 with Anaheim from 2019 to 2023. Daily Hive called him a "historically bad" NHL coach. Fans on social media worry he could not manage star players in Edmonton, which raises questions about his fit with captain Auston Matthews.
Supporters point to his recent run in Germany as proof he has grown. He led Adler Mannheim to the 2026 DEL Finals, Pro Hockey Rumors reported. Chayka's team sees that run as evidence Eakins has evolved into a "tactical architect" who can handle pressure. The "transparency" message is also seen as a direct appeal to the Toronto media market's demands.
Pavelski Candidacy Adds Wild Card to Final Decision
The search took a surprising turn on June 11 when retired star Joe Pavelski confirmed he is interviewing for the job. He has zero coaching experience. Pavelski told Heavy Sports, "It's a process... They're being very thorough." Some analysts see him as a culture-setter, but others say Toronto needs a proven hand on the bench immediately.
Pierre LeBrun reported on June 8 that the Leafs had cut the list to about five candidates after more than 55 initial conversations, TSN noted. No contract has been signed as of June 12. But the volume of reports framing Eakins' "transparency" pitch suggests the organization is preparing fans for an announcement soon.
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