
AHL Coaches Elevate to NHL Leadership in Record Numbers
The 2025‑26 season marks a milestone as 21 NHL clubs appoint former AHL head coaches to head‑coaching or senior assistant roles, underscoring the league’s deep talent pipeline.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning John Gruden across Hockey, Football.

The 2025‑26 season marks a milestone as 21 NHL clubs appoint former AHL head coaches to head‑coaching or senior assistant roles, underscoring the league’s deep talent pipeline.

Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is poised to return to the NFL spotlight as a broadcaster, even as he battles a high‑profile lawsuit and pursues a coaching resurgence through Barstool Sports interviews.

The Toronto Marlies have announced a series of promotions and hires that reshape their hockey operations and coaching staff, positioning the club for another deep playoff run.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have overhauled their front office and coaching staff, setting the stage for a 2026‑27 season that hinges on rookie integration, potential trade moves and goaltending stability.

Recent front‑office moves see AHL coaches Manny Malhotra, Ryan Craig and others transition to NHL teams, promising fresh tactical direction and stability.

Several AHL coaches have been elevated to NHL head or staff positions this summer, bringing experience and a track record of success to new teams.
From a mid‑season trade to a Calder Cup victory, Ben Danford's journey highlights the impact of coaching and the promise of a new generation of hockey talent.

Daniel Alfredsson, a 2022 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, has been hired as an associate coach by the Toronto Maple Leafs, bringing his extensive playing career and international coaching experience to the organization.

John Gruden's promotion to assistant coach follows a championship‑winning tenure with the Marlies and a distinguished playing and coaching career.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have appointed Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson as associate coach, bringing a legacy of leadership and Swedish connections to a revamped staff.

Daniel Alfredsson, John Gruden, Brad Werenka, Michael Andlauer, Mike Van Ryn and Derek Lalonde are set to reshape the Maple Leafs' bench staff, while the Senators' owner reflects on the loss.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced a series of coaching appointments that bring Hall of Famer Daniel Alfredsson and seasoned assistants John Gruden and Brad Werenka into the organization, while parting ways with longtime aides.

After an 18‑year playing career that included a Norris Trophy, a Spengler Cup and a silver medal with Team Canada, Mark Giordano pivoted to coaching and helped the Toronto Marlies capture the 2026 Calder Cup. His hands‑on mentorship of young defensemen and versatile experience have positioned him as a leading candidate for NHL assistant roles.

Mark Giordano’s transition from a decorated playing career to a pivotal coaching role has culminated in a Calder Cup championship and a promising future in the NHL.

The Toronto Marlies clinched the 2026 Calder Cup with a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Wolves, completing a comeback from a 2-0 series deficit and becoming just the third AHL team to win five series in a single playoff year.

A dramatic overtime strike by Viktor Neuchev caps a 4‑3 victory for the Chicago Wolves over the Toronto Marlies, tying the Calder Cup Finals and setting the stage for a decisive fifth game.

The Toronto Marlies took a 3-0 series lead in the Calder Cup Finals after a 1-0 win over the Chicago Wolves, with Easton Cowan scoring the only goal and Artur Akhtyamov making 24 saves.

After six straight road victories, the Toronto Marlies return home for Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals, hoping to capitalize on a standout performance by their top line and a ‘no‑quit’ mentality from head coach John Gruden.

Logan Shaw’s overtime goal in Game 2 propelled the Toronto Marlies to a 5‑4 win, extending their home streak and putting them on the brink of the Calder Cup.

The Toronto Marlies opened the Calder Cup Finals with a 4-2 win over the Chicago Wolves, showcasing a no‑frills, grind‑it‑out approach and strong performances from veterans and newcomers alike.

The Toronto Marlies aim to capitalize on Vinni Lettieri's scoring surge and a flawless goaltending performance as they host the Chicago Wolves in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Finals.

The Toronto Marlies have secured a spot in the AHL's Calder Cup final, a milestone that could once again funnel talent and leadership into the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs.

A decisive Game 7 between the Colorado Eagles and Chicago Wolves will determine the Western Conference champion of the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, setting up a potential finals clash with the Toronto Marlies. Key performances, injury impacts, and power‑play efficiency shape the narrative.

The Toronto Marlies clinched the American Hockey League’s Eastern Conference championship, securing a spot in the 2026 Calder Cup Finals with a 4‑2 series victory over the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins. Alex Nylander scored the series‑clinching goal in overtime.