LAVAL, QC – DECEMBER 22: Head coach of the Toronto Marlies Sheldon Keefe looks on after a victory against the Laval Rocket during the AHL game at Place Bell on December 22, 2018 in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Marlies defeated the Laval Rocket 2-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
The changes behind the bench of the Toronto Maple Leafs have been a crucial part in the history of the team.
In the 102 season history of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, there have been 40 men to honor the title of head coach for the team; some well respected and liked players, peers and fans-others not so much.
Award winning coaches and former players of the team have all been at the helm at one point or another for varying lengths of time, some longer than others.
Like most Toronto Maple Leafs history, the run down of all those who have been ‘Boss of the Bench’ runs deep.
1917-1919: The Toronto Arenas
The franchises first NHL head coach of the Toronto Arenas was Dick Carroll. Carroll coached the Arena’s through their three inaugural seasons, winning the first Stanley Cup Championship in 1918 against the PCHA’s Vancouver Millionaires. After their win the team struggled and in the 1919-1920 season Carroll is replaced.
Note: information is sourced from Hockeydb, Toronto Maple Leafs Wiki & respective wiki’s for each coach.