Bruce Cassidy was one of the biggest names during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ spring coaching search, but Elliotte Friedman reported that the club may never have formally made a move on him. 

Friedman’s comments came in right after Toronto fired Craig Berube and started looking for a replacement for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Cassidy is a Stanley Cup-winning coach with a long résumé, but Toronto ultimately ended up choosing a different path.

According to Friedman, on the Donnie and Dhali podcast, “I do not even know that the Maple Leafs have asked to talk to him, to be honest.” 

The same thing was echoed by Pierre LeBrun on Melnick in the afternoon: "I think Toronto may have gotten permission but decided not to go ahead and interview him, but I don't know that 100%." 

This is enough to give us the idea that the Maple Leafs were not seriously pursuing Cassidy, even though he remained fully available.

Cassidy’s availability was also disrupted by the way Vegas handled his exit. The Golden Knights had full control over his interview access, and general manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed that only one team had been allowed to speak with Cassidy. 

It was also reported that Nick Kypreos identified Toronto as that team and said the Leafs had the option but chose Jim Hiller instead.

Even if Cassidy had built a strong reputation and record through his work with the Boston Bruins and then won the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023. He guided Boston to the league’s best record and the Presidents’ Trophy in 2019-20.

For a Leafs team trying to make a comeback after a disappointing season, they were expected at least to interview. 

Maple Leafs Hiring Jim Hiller Instead

Toronto made their decision with the coaching clear on June 17; they hired Jim Hiller as the 41st head coach in franchise history. 

The official team announcement said Hiller had spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs from 2015-16 through 2018-19. This shows his familiarity with the organization and the pressure that comes with coaching them after their last season.

The Leafs clearly valued their familiarity level. Hiller also arrived on the team with proper head-coaching experience. He led the Los Angeles Kings from 2023-24 through 2025-26 before Toronto hired him. 

“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL. He has worked with successful teams throughout his career and connects well with players, bringing a clear approach behind the bench,” said John Chayka, the Leafs GM.

The Leafs’ final move gives us better clarity on their priority. They hired Hiller and moved on quickly, ending any speculation of a Cassidy partnership.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Ankita Yadav