Two-time Stanley Cup finalist Joe Pavelski is reportedly in line to interview for the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching job. They fired their previous head coach, Craig Berube, on May 13, 2026. But after an NHL insider broke the news, fans were quick to voice their opinion.

NHL fans warned the 41-year-old not to join the Maple Leafs as their head coach. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic took to his official X account on June 7, 2026, to share the news, crediting Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

"Joe Pavelski isn’t the only interesting name, although he sure is interesting for sure (@FriedgeHNIC first to report). Leafs GM John Chayka has spoken to more than 20 coaching candidates. Hearing there’s a few more interesting names in there. The search process is in its second phase now."

While general manager John Chayka may have his hands full, Pavelski stands out with his on-ice pedigree.

Pavelski has played for the San Jose Sharks and the Minnesota Wild in his 18-season-long career. He made the Stanley Cup Final once each with the Sharks and the Dallas Stars in 2016 and 2020, but lost both.

He has leadership experience too, captaining the Sharks for nearly four seasons from October 2015 to May 2019. This included the Stanley Cup Final appearance, before joining the Wild as an unrestricted free agent.

Pavelski was a center for the majority of his NHL career, scoring 1,068 points (476G / 592A) in 1,332 games. He also made 201 appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, registering 143 points for 74 goals and 69 assists.

While Pavelski isn’t a proven commodity in the NHL coaching market, fans seem unenthusiastic about his possible move to the Maple Leafs.

NHL Fans Skeptical of Joe Pavelski Joining Toronto Maple Leafs as Head Coach

NHL fans raided the comments of Gino Hard’s post on X, with most of them completely against the idea of Joe Pavelski becoming the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“He’s not moving to that s*******,” said one of the fans, not mincing his words for the Maple Leafs.

A couple of the league’s supporters were a bit milder in their assessment of Toronto, but their disdain for them was still on full display.

“Boy oh boy. He’s way too good for that fruitless franchise,” said a supporter, while another one remarked, “Toronto doesn’t deserve this king.”

“Pavs, please say no. Toronto doesn't deserve you!!” a fan begged the ex-NHL player not to become the head coach of the franchise.

Someone called the potential of Pavelski to the Maple Leafs a “terrible decision” for the 41-year-old.

“What a terrible decision that would be for him...😂,” they wrote.

Will Joe Pavelski get the nod to become the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs? Tell us your prediction in the comments.

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Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Surjo Ray