Toronto Maple Leafs: Examining the Barry Trotz Rumors

The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves on the wrong side of fans and media speculation.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also now find themselves dealing with a coach on the proverbial hot seat, and everyone is talking about his rumored replacement.

With the talent on this team, there is no reason for fans to be happy with a 4-4-2 record. Toronto has lost games they should have easily won. Looking back at their first ten games, Toronto should have a 7-3-0 record, at the very least.

General manager Kyle Dubas has two options in front of him. He can make a trade to spark the team, or he can fire head coach Sheldon Keefe and replace him. Many believe the second option is the better option.

Sheldon Keefe has a good record with this team (120-54-21), but like those before him, he has failed to find success in the playoffs.

He’s been pretty vocal with his frustrations lately, and some wonder if he has lost the locker room. Could the Toronto Maple Leafs be in need of a new voice behind the bench? If they can’t start putting some wins together, Dubas might not have a choice. He may have to fire his friend to save the team from spiraling.
(Coaching stats from hockey-reference.com)

The Barry Trotz and Toronto Maple Leafs Rumor

Unemployed head coach Barry Trotz made an interesting comment a week ago.

He was on the Cam and Strick podcast on Tuesday, October 25th. When asked if he would consider coaching a Canadian team where the pressure and media attention is far greater than in the US, he was quoted as saying “I don’t know if any coach that takes a job in Canada ever wants to deal with it.”

Trotz went on to say that coaching an original six team is what intrigues him.

The Boston Bruins are the NHL’s top team . Gerard Gallant is doing a fine job with the New York Rangers. I can’t see the Montreal Canadiens getting rid of Martin St. Louis yet. Derek Lalonde is in his first season as the head coach for the Red Wings, so I don’t see them making a change yet. The Chicago Blackhawks are rebuilding and also have a new head coach this season, Luke Richardson. That leaves us with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sheldon Keefe might get his walking papers if Toronto continues to lose games. The coaching door would then be open for Barry Trotz to peruse coaching an original six team.