If reports are true, the Leafs could be losing a key member of their coaching staff
The Leafs are just a couple short weeks away from the end of their regular season and with the playoffs looming, this team doesn't need any more distractions. I'm sure that everyone in Toronto has their eyes on the prize, especially considering what's on the line if they choke in round 1 again, but this week, a report from ESPN's Emily Kaplan is causing some concern and may be more than just a mild distraction - even if the team won't admit it.
This issue at hand relates to the Washington Capitals, who are nearly 100% guaranteed to miss the postseason for the first time in ages. More specifically, it relates to the Capitals having a huge decision to make regarding their coaching situation. With Peter Laviolette nearing the end of his current contract, there is some speculation that the Caps could be looking to make a coaching change - and one of the Leafs' assistant coaches could be a frontrunner for the job.
Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan is very familiar with Leafs assistant coach Spencer Carbery, who coached the Caps' AHL affiliates, the Hershey Bears, from 2018-2021 before taking on an assistant coaching job with the Leafs. He is a former ECHL Coach of the Year (2014) and AHL Coach of the Year (2021). Carbery is a bit of a hot commodity. He has already interviewed with other NHL teams including the San Jose Sharks. Some also believed that before Jim Montgomery was hired in Boston, the Bruins had interest in Carbery as well.
Carbery's claim to fame at the NHL level is how he turned around the Leafs' power play. The Leafs currently have the 2nd best power play, behind only the Edmonton Oilers. Yes, the Leafs have a lot of firepower on the team, but it's still up to the coaching staff to get things clicking and adjust the plan accordingly. The job he's done on special teams this year is nothing to be overlooked and, as it turns out, it would appear as though the Caps are looking to bring back the one that got away.
All of this, of course, relies heavily on what the Capitals plan to do with Laviolette. There's still a possibility that the Caps look to re-sign him. But in the event that they do look to make a change, Carbery appears to be pretty high up their list of potential candidates.
| POLL | ||
MARS 27 | 154 ANSWERS If reports are true, the Leafs could be losing a key member of their coaching staff Will Spencer Carbery be the next head coach of the Washington Capitals? | ||
| Yes | 70 | 45.5 % |
| No | 84 | 54.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
