Bringing in DJ Smith, or any addition to the coaching staff for that matter, could explain another move the Leafs appear to be making. Assistant coach Dean Chynoweth is not under contract for next season. He's been with the Leafs since the 2021-22 season.
The Leafs made the playoffs three times while Smith was part of the coaching staff. That was in the 2017, 18, and 19 seasons. Each time the team lost in the first round. As a result, Leafs fans are not particularly thrilled to hear his name linked to the team again.
The Leafs certainly have a lot of moves to make this offseason, both on the coaching staff, and on the roster itself. Adding Smith back to the coaching staff could just be a small part of a wider series of moves. Be sure to stay tuned into the Leafs over the summer as it could be one of the more eventful off seasons for the Leafs in a long time.
