Former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft is in heavy contention to become the Toronto Maple Leafs next bench boss.
Jay Woodcroft, the former Edmonton Oilers HC who led Connor McDavid to a career season, is an increasing favorite to potentially take on the Leafs coaching job.
According to Frank Seravalli, Woodcroft is a "frontrunner" for the head coaching spot in Toronto to replace Craig Berube, having also spoken with the Los Angeles Kings.
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Woodcroft, currently with the Anaheim Ducks as an assistant coach, was in charge of Edmonton between 2022-23, leading in parts of three seasons with the Oilers.
The 49-year-old Woodcroft is notable for being behind the bench in Connor McDavid's career best season of 64 goals and 153 points.
Edmonton recently let go of head coach Kris Knoblauch, the successor to Woodcroft, after the Ducks defeated the Oilers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Jay Woodcroft coached Connor McDavid to 153 points in a season and that offensive system is exactly what Toronto has been missing
Jay Woodcroft was behind the bench for Connor McDavid's most productive season, and could provide a breath of fresh air offensively for Toronto's lineup.
The lack of offense has been the biggest criticism of the coaching style of Craig Berube, having played too defensive a roster that lacked productive scoring, despite a frontloaded roster.
Auston Matthews suffered specifically from having to play a more defensive style of game that hindered his point totals last season, needing a coach that can unlock his scoring yet again.
How much of McDavid's success that season that Woodcroft can be given credit for is tough to give, but shows how he can unlock offense when needed.
What makes Woodcroft's candidacy particularly compelling is that he is a Toronto native, a kid who grew up watching the Maple Leafs and now has the chance to coach them. That homecoming angle is likely not lost on anyone in the organization.
The LA Kings want Woodcroft too and Chayka has to decide if he is willing to let another elite coach walk away
The Los Angeles Kings are eyeing a move from their rival Anaheim for Jay Woodcroft behind the bench, becoming a top competitor with Toronto for his services.
Los Angeles let go of head coach Jim Hiller after being swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the playoffs, with D.J. Smith currently holding the interim role.
The Kings are in need for a coach that can steer a young core of Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe, a team having a major locker room change with the retirement of captain Anze Kopitar, with aging defenseman Drew Doughty's contract up after next season.
Los Angeles offers Jay Woodcroft a playoff team with a young core that has the skill to go deep with some maturity, while Toronto offers stars in Auston Matthews, William Nylander, & potentially Gavin McKenna.
Jay Woodcroft is the type of head coach that has shown he can steer a team into a playoff position and unlock offense, and he may check all the boxes to be the exact head coach John Chayka is looking for.
Does Jay Woodcroft make sense for Toronto?
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