Over the weekend, the Leafs announced that assistant coach Guy Boucher would not be returning next season alongside new head coach Craig Berube. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the final vacancy has come down to Marc Savard and Brian Wiseman.
Savard was an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames this past season but the two sides mutually parted ways in May, allowing him to pursue other opportunities. His departure led many to speculate he would be joining the Leafs instantaneously, but that has not happened yet.
Wiseman, on the other hand, is currently an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks and according to Jeff Marek, the Sharks would like to keep him as he helped them hold the seventh best power play in a season where they finished 31st overall.
After the struggles the Leafs had on the power play at the end of last season and into the playoffs, it's no surprise that Wisman would be on their list of candidates. However, given the Sharks' intent to hold onto him, it seems the final assistant spot is Savard's to lose.
Source: Elite Prospects Marc Savard coaching history
POLL | ||
17 JUIN | 217 ANSWERS Leafs' final assistant coaching hire has come down to two candidates Who would you prefer the Leafs hire? | ||
Savard | 148 | 68.2 % |
Wiseman | 39 | 18 % |
Other | 30 | 13.8 % |
List of polls |