Coaching carousel heats up
Former San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski, a 1,300‑game NHL veteran, has opened a dialogue with the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding their vacant head‑coaching position.
Since retiring, Pavelski has been coaching his son’s 14U and 15U teams in the Madison Capitals AAA program, gaining early experience behind the bench.
The Leafs’ search for a successor to Sheldon Keefe has attracted a range of candidates, but Pavelski’s blend of leadership, hockey IQ and proven professionalism makes him a distinctive voice in the conversation.
New faces on the bench
The Calgary Wranglers announced the addition of John Dean as an assistant coach, a move that brings the former Soo Greyhounds bench boss back to the professional ranks after eight years in the OHL.
Dean’s tenure with the Greyhounds was marked by five post‑season appearances and the development of several National Hockey League prospects, a track record that appears to have resonated with the Wranglers’ management.
Meanwhile, the Hershey Bears have secured forward Jalen Luypen on a one‑year American Hockey League contract, a deal that follows his 14‑goal, 37‑point output in 35 ECHL games during the 2025‑26 season.
Luypen’s progression from the ECHL to the AHL reflects a broader trend of players leveraging strong developmental environments to earn higher‑level opportunities.
The convergence of these moves underscores a busy offseason for several franchises, each looking to fine‑tune rosters and coaching staff ahead of the next campaign.