The Maple Leafs want a younger up and coming coach instead of another recycled veteran behind the bench
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to get younger and find a modern coach, with former assistant Manny Malhotra the type of coach that Keith Pelley is looking for.
As Keith Pelley looks towards a more modern day approach to the coaching system, reports surfaced that the team was already looking at more of the same and approached the recently departed Bruce Cassidy to replace Craig Berube.
That doesn't necessarily fit what the team is trying to do, and looking at some new fresh faces who haven't gotten a big NHL break could be the key.
The Babcock and Berube hires show that old-school's out in the NHL
One name who has gotten some attention is former Maple Leafs assistant Manny Malhotra, who is currently coaching Vancouver's AHL affiliate Abbotsford. He's a young, analytical mind who is fantastic with player development — and according to Elliotte Friedman, he's exactly who Pelley is trying to target:
The Maple Leafs are going to be looking for someone outside the box, an up and comer. One name that comes to mind is a person like Manny Malhotra, who has been linked to an NHL job for a bit.
It would be a great departure from the names hired previously like Berube and Mike Babcock. Malhotra was actually part of Toronto's coaching staff when Sheldon Keefe was around, so if anyone knows how to maximize the offensive potential it's him.
The old-school, grinding mentality is one that works very seldomly and depends on a perfect combination of coaching and roster construction. Toronto has a lot of skilled players who could thrive in a more up tempo, high shot system and remove that slow, dump and chase style they can't commit to anymore.
The Maple Leafs need someone who can grow with the core
This is a new look Maple Leafs coming in and they are hopefully going to get younger, faster, and more adept at the modern game. For them to thrive, they need someone who is just as young and eager to get things going which necessitates an up and comer.
You want someone who can take Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, Matias Maccelli (maybe), Ben Danford etc, and mould them into the modern day gladiators we expect.
No more of this plodding, boring team. Toronto has a slew of young NCAA signings who are only going to stagnate when coaches like Berube wanna throw 34-year old veterans out there for 15 minutes.
A guy like Malhotra wouldn't hesitate to see what a Vincent Borgesi or Luke Haymes could do, but an older coach would say 'No experience, no chance.'
We're seeing Cowan already flourish under a worse coach, and if he can have a fresh mind who can unlock that offensive potential, there's no telling what he can do. Add in that ratty, edgy style? You may have the next Brad Marchand.
But he'll only get there if someone like Malhotra is in charge, and it would behoove Pelley to get that sorted out much sooner than later.
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