The series isn't over yet by any means, but the way they Carolina Hurricanes handled the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final certainly makes it seem like it already may be.

The Hurricanes stomped the Canadiens in a 4-0 beatdown at Centre Bell on Wednesday in one of their more complete games of the postseason.

From the drop of the puck to the end, Carolina was far and away the better team.

They piled on the chances, outshooting the Canadiens 43-18 overall, and that was bookended by a hot start and a dominant finish.

The Hurricanes didn't allow a shot on goal through the first eight minutes of the game and then in the final period, they outshot the Habs 19-3.

Despite the Canadiens needing their best possible push in that third period, they didn't manage to put any rubber on Frederik Andersen until the final three minutes of the game, a testament to the Canes' defensive clinic.

The game looked much like the last two, where the Hurricanes held Montreal to 12 and 13 shots respectively, but the difference tonight is that they finally found a little more finish.

Carolina blew the game open midway through the first period, putting three past Jakub Dobes in less than three minutes.

Sebastian Aho got the party started with the team's first power play goal of the series, rifling home a Nikolaj Ehlers feed.

Just over a minute later, the Canes' third line got the cycle going and after a long o-zone shift, K'Andre Miller activated down from the blueline and fed a perfect pass to Jordan Staal in front.

And then a minute and a half later, Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven were sprung on a 2-on-1 thanks to a monster Shayne Gostisbehere block and the former fed the latter for his team leading eighth goal of the playoffs.

From there, the Hurricanes just put the pressure on the Canadiens and even though the Habs had a few pushes, Andersen was there, stopping all 18 shots he faced for his third shutout of the postseason (Andrei Svechnikov scored an empty netter at the end too).

Again, the series isn't over by any means, but it's hard to see the Canadiens finding a way from here.

Outside of Carolina's disastrous Game 1 start, where they gave up four goals in the opening 14 minutes following 11 straight days off, there really hasn't been any portion of games where you can say Montreal was better.

Yes, they've gotten strong goaltending and they've certainly been opportunistic with their chances, but that's not a sustainable method.

Carolina has been better in every matchup, their defense has been dominant on both ends of the ice, they're more physical, they're quicker to pucks, they're more decisive.

I mean, the Hurricanes had as many shots on Wednesday as the Canadiens have had combined over the last three games, even despite playing at home and being able to dictate their matchups in the last two.

The Hurricanes are a machine and the Habs so far just don't have an answer.

That's been the story of the playoffs so far, as Carolina handled the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers in back-to-back sweeps and now they sit just one win away from the Stanley Cup Final.

It's been a long road to get to this point, but the job is certainly not done.

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MONTREAL — Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal and Logan Stankoven scored in a 2:47 span late in the first period and the Carolina Hurricanes moved within a victory of the Stanley Cup Final, beating the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 on Wednesday night.

Frederik Andersen made 18 saves for his third shutout in 12 postseason games this year to help the Hurricanes take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Final.

Game 5 is Friday night in North Carolina, with the series winner facing the Vegas Golden Knights.

“We have better,” Stankoven said. “It’s great to come out like a team like this and perform like that, but I think at this time of the year you can’t bring your ‘B’ game. You have to bring your ‘A’ game every night.”

Nikolaj Ehlers and Shayne Gostisbehere each had two assists for the Hurricanes. They are the seventh NHL team to win six or more road games to start a postseason.

“Definitely excited,” Gostisbehere said. “Have to take care of business.”

Anderson and the Hurricanes are 11-1 in the first three rounds. They put it away early in Game 4 after winning the previous two games in overtime.

The Hurricanes scored first for the fourth straight game when Aho beat Jakub Dobes with a one-timer from the right circle on a power play with 5:02 left in the first.

Staal followed with 3:53 to go, tipping in K’Andre Miller’s centering pass. Stankoven then finished off a two-on-one with Jason Blake with 2:14 remaining in the period.

“The game’s going to humble you,” Montreal coach Martin St. Louis said. “Whenever you get humbled, you stand tall.”

Andrei Svechnikov had an empty-net goal in the third.

Carolina had a 19-3 shots-on-goal advantage in the third period for a 43-18 overall edge.

“It seemed like the only guy that showed up was Doby,” Montreal defenseman Lane Hutson said. “Wasn’t good enough. Didn’t answer the bell.”

The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from their first appearance in a Stanley Cup Final since 2006.

A convincing win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 at the Bell Centre on Wednesday night gave the Hurricanes a 3-1 series lead over the young, upstart Habs.

Carolina came out of the gate on fire, recording the first six shots on goal of the game while dominating the puck and pushing Montreal around.

An abbreviated power play gave the Canes their first lead, as Sebastian Aho hammered home a one-timer off a nice feed from Nikolaj Ehlers for his first goal since Game 4 of the first round against the Senators.

Just moments later, Carolina doubled the advantage, as K’Andre Miller made a strong play with the puck to attack toward the goal before feeding a pass to the net front, where Jordan Staal beat out Josh Anderson for positioning to deflect the puck in behind Jakub Dobes.

A gutsy blocked shot by Shayne Gostisbehere set up a two-on-one for Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven, and the former fed the latter who sent it home to a yawning cage to make it 3-0 with a trio of goals in just 2:47 of game time.

THAT'S THREE GOALS IN LESS THAN THREE MINUTES FOR CAROLINA 💥 pic.twitter.com/LxDvfAawh5

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 28, 2026

The Canadiens came out with a better push in the second, showcasing some rare ability to generate shots on goal, but Frederik Andersen was up to the task, holding Montreal off the scoresheet for another 20 minutes that featured. pair of embarrassingly futile power pays for the Canes, including a 1:44-long 5-on-3 in which they did not even attempt a shot.

But more importantly, the three-goal lead was intact heading into the third, keeping the Canadiens in a hole they would not be able to dig their way out of.

Montreal could not break through in the third period either, as Svechnikov added an empty-net goal to make it 4-0 and Andersen finished the night with an 18-save shutout for his third of this postseason.

Game 5 is set for an 8:00 PM EST puck drop from the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on a night that could prove special for this team and fan base.

The Hockey News recently revealed players 71 to 80 on their Top 100 NHL Player Rankings for the 2025-26 season. Among the names listed was Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight.

Knight was given the No. 76 spot on The Hockey News' rankings, and when looking at the season he just had, it is entirely understandable. 

On a struggling Blackhawks team, Knight stood out and took a nice step forward with his play. In 55 games, the 25-year-old goaltender posted a .902 save percentage, a 2.82 goals-against average, and a career-high three shutouts. With numbers like these, it is clear that Knight had himself a solid 2025-26 season. 

The Blackhawks will now be hoping that Knight can continue to improve as he gains more experience. The 2019 first-round pick showed this season that he can be an impactful starting goalie in the NHL. This is undoubtedly huge for a rebuilding Blackhawks squad that sees Knight as their future between the pipes. 

It will now be interesting to see what kind of campaign Knight has for the Blackhawks next season. If the Blackhawks build a stronger roster in front of him, it would not be surprising in the slightest if he had even better numbers in 2026-27. 

After appearing in four games for the San Jose Barracuda at the end of the 2025-26 season following the completion of his collegiate career at Clarkson University, Tristan Sarsland will be returning to the Bay Area for the 2026-27 season.

On Tuesday afternoon, the San Jose Sharks' American Hockey League affiliate announced that they had come to terms with Sarsland on a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season. The Wayzata, MN native is a right-handed defenseman, which will help fill a major organizational need for the coming season. 

Sarsland was initially eligible for the 2022 NHL Draft, but ended up going undrafted. There was some hype around him potentially getting selected in the 2024 NHL Draft, but he again went undrafted. 

"Projecting Sarsland to the NHL as an everyday contributor, but not outside the realm of possibility," Elite Prospects wrote in their 2024 Draft Guide. "The lack of any standout, truly elite dimension paired with good-not-great tools doesn’t usually work. He’s a late-bloomer, though, and he may be able to establish himself as a do-everything depth defenceman in time."

During his four seasons at Clarkson University, Sarsland scored 20 goals, 56 points, and registered 76 penalty minutes in 138 games. 

Jason York is heading to the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame on Wednesday night.

The honour recognizes York's long NHL career that included five memorable seasons with the Ottawa Senators during the rise of the franchise in the late 1990s.

"Yorkie's" run began 30 years ago this fall when he was traded from Anaheim to Ottawa, and in his first season playing in his hometown, the Senators made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time.

York played 380 games wearing the centurion crest and made the playoffs every year he was here. In 2001, he became an unrestricted free agent and signed back in Anaheim.

In all, York played 757 games in the NHL and scored 42 goals, 187 assists, and 229 points.

His last NHL game came in 2007 with the Boston Bruins, and fittingly, it was against the Ottawa Senators, the team he spent more than half of his NHL career with. It figures that Daniel Alfredsson, Yorkie's ex-teammate and old captain, would lead the way with a three-point evening in a 6-3 Ottawa win.

The Senators were pretty good back then. A few months later, Alfie led the Senators to their only appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.

After his playing days, York took a multi-year turn at TSN 1200 radio in Ottawa, where I also happened to hang my work hat for a couple of decades. He did the show right after mine, and in the studio changeover and chit-chat, I can't recall him ever being in a bad mood. The guy always seemed to be in mid-chuckle.

These days, York does NHL colour commentary for regional TV broadcasts of the Calgary Flames, and he also has a Senators podcast, Coming in Hot. He says he's excited that he's going to have his people around him on Wednesday night.

“It’s a great honour," York told Andrew Wilimek on the Senators website. "I’m going to have a lot of friends and family there, which is going to be special for me, because that’s what it’s all about,” said York.

York will be honoured along with the 1976 Rockland Nationals, who also have a strong Senators connection. A 33-year-old Bryan Murray was that team's head coach. York played for the Shawville native in 2001, the year he moved back to Anaheim.

Also being honoured Wednesday night:

• Keith Brown (Builder – Community)
• Rachel Homan & Emma Miskew (Athletes – Curling)
• Val St. Germain (Athlete – Football)

Legacy Category: Joe Barber (boxing), Paul Barber (horse racing), Vera Charlebois (golf), Bud Clark (skiing), Françoise Desbiens (speed skating), Joe Lamb (hockey), Allan Shields (hockey), and the 1906 Capital Lacrosse Club.

Quite frankly, the list of guys from Ottawa who played more than 750 games in the NHL is extremely small, so it's a little surprising that it's taken 19 years for York to get the call.

But for honours like these, it's always better late than never.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site

Senators Will Reportedly Add Another Alternate Jersey Next SeasonFanatics is reportedly launching "Hometown Remix" uniforms for every NHL franchise next season.

The Los Angeles Kings have been busy at the start of the offseason as they prepare to hire their next franchise head coach. There have been plenty of rumors and options LA has been considering since the offseason, with names like Bruce Cassidy and Peter Laviolette at the top of the list. 

But Wednesday afternoon, a new report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli stated that Jay Woodcroft, who reportedly interviewed with Los Angeles last week, is also expected to interview with the Toronto Maple Leafs later this week. 

#Leafs coaching search update, per sources:
- #FlyTogether Jay Woodcroft scheduled to interview this week. Interviewed with #LAKings last week. Handicapped as “one of the front runners” for the Toronto job. Either spot, solid bet to be an NHL HC again next season.
- Wide swath of…

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 27, 2026

Seravalli also reported that Woodcroft is viewed as a "strong candidate" for Toronto's coaching vacancy and remains a strong candidate to return behind an NHL bench next season. 

Woodcroft becomes the second confirmed candidate connected to the Los Angeles Kings coaching search this offseason, after reports earlier this week also linked former New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette to interviewing for the Kings coaching job. 

Kings Have Their Sights Set On Stanley Cup Winning Head CoachThe Los Angeles Kings have shown interest in multiple suitors for their Head Coach opening and have even had preliminary conversations with a former Stanley Cup winning bench boss.

Woodcroft and Laviolette are the only confirmed coaches with whom LA has been granted an interview. Additionally, Bruce Cassidy is a name that the Kings are still keeping a strong eye on, but the Vegas Golden Knights have not yet granted permission for Los Angeles to speak with him.

Here's why Woodcroft makes sense as a potential head coach for the Kings. The former Oilers head coach took over Edmonton as an interim in the 2022 season and led the team to a  26-9-3 finish and a berth in the Western Conference Final.

In the 2022–23 season, his first full season as head coach, he led Edmonton to a 50-23-9 record and set an NHL record for the most efficient power play (32.4%).

Woodcroft has experience leading young, talented players and elevating their play, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and has consistently operated one of the league’s most dangerous power plays. 

The same style of play can appeal to the Kings' young talent, who struggled to generate offense consistently around Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke, something that can change moving forward with Woodcroft behind the bench.  

This past season, he helped lead the Anaheim Ducks to the playoffs as an assistant coach under head coach Joel Quenneville for the first time since the 2017-18 season, and the Ducks defeated his former team in the first round.

Woodcroft's fresh and young, offensive-minded approach brings something new and interesting to the Kings' coaching position compared to some of the veteran candidates linked to Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles may view him as a long-term coach who can help elevate their young talent into stars. 

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LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights weren't the only ones who needed to relearn about themselves when John Tortorella took over as coach on March 29.

Turns out, the grizzled veteran coach who's been known to ruffle some feathers with an abrasive approach became a student, too.

"In the short time I've been with them, I watched them and listened to them," Tortorella said Tuesday night after the Golden Knights clinched a berth into the Stanley Cup Final. "I've learned a ton from them. I've learned ... I think coaches overcoach. I think we overcoach, and I think we get in the way sometimes.

"This group here, especially after me being with younger teams prior to this, I hope to be a better coach and learned more to have some listening skills when you're dealing with veteran players."

The Golden Knights were on the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention after losing 19 of 27 when former coach Bruce Cassidy was fired and Tortorella was brought in to spark life into the team.

Vegas closed the regular season on a 7-0-1 run, won the Pacific Division, won 12 of 16 in the playoffs - including their last six - and now return to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in the team's nine-year existence.

Vegas beat the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche in four games, taking Games 1 and 2 in Denver and then sealing things at home in Games 3 and 4, including Tuesday's 2-1 clincher at T-Mobile Arena.

"I think it's just the way that he communicates with us on a day-to-day basis, his message, his demeanor," Vegas star center Jack Eichel said. "I think it's definitely felt like a group effort, and he's constantly coming to us for feedback, and I think his message has been received really well."

Eichel said it's been the cohesiveness between Tortorella and the players that made the transition from Cassidy, who led the team to its first Stanley Cup title in 2023, seamless with eight games left in the campaign.

"I think the guys have a lot of confidence in him, and really believe in what he's saying," Eichel said. "And I think he's done a good job of getting the most out of the group, so it's definitely been a collective group effort."

Tortorella also said coaching an elite group with playoff experience and great chemistry allowed him to differentiate between two coaching philosophies.

"I think in the regular season, I wasn't here much during the regular season, sometimes you coach at them," Tortorella said. "During the playoffs, you coach with them. So it gave me an opportunity to be with them and understand what they see. And with such a veteran group, I learned a ton.

"Hopefully, we play a few more games and continue to learn more and succeed together."

The Knights await the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes, who lead the series 2-1.

Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, and Max Bultman released their latest 2026 NHL mock draft for The Athletic. 

For the Montreal Canadiens, Bultman predicted that the Habs would select defenseman William Hakansson with their first-round pick. 

Hakansson is certainly an intriguing prospect in this year's draft. The 6-foot-4 blueliner would have the potential to be a nice addition to the Canadiens' prospect pool, as he has the tools to emerge as an impactful shutdown defenseman at the NHL level. 

Hakansson appeared in 22 games this season with Lulea HF of the Swedish Hockey League, where he had two assists and a plus-1 rating. He also played for Almtuna IS of HockeyAllsvenskan on a loan, where he had two goals, four assists, and 39 penalty minutes in 16 games. 

If the Canadiens selected Hakansson in the first round, they would be bringing in a big defenseman with good upside. While he is not the flashiest of players when it comes to his offense, his steady defensive play could make him a nice pickup for a Canadiens club on the rise. 

The Carolina Hurricanes face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Hurricanes lead the series 2-1 after winning Game 3 in overtime. Carolina is favored with a -146 moneyline compared to the Canadiens' +123.

How to watch Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens

• Date: Wednesday, May 27

• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

• Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC

• TV Channels: TNT, truT, HBO, Spor

• Live Stream:ESPN+ | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Odds

• Spread: Montreal Canadiens +1.5

• Moneyline: Montreal Canadiens +123 (43.0%) / Carolina Hurricanes -146 (57.0%)

• Over/Under: 5.5

The Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to make the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. They fell two slots in the lottery as the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks jumped up into first and second. The Vancouver Canucks will pick third. 

When the lottery results were first revealed, there was a thought that Swedish sensation Ivar Stenberg could fall to the Blackhawks at four. With Gavin McKenna likely going to Toronto, some assumed that the Sharks may consider a defenseman because of their need for organizational prospects at the position. 

That leaves the Vancouver Canucks, who may think about Caleb Malhotra, whose father, Manny, is in the organization as their AHL coach. 

It always felt like a possible but unlikely outcome, but things are shifting again because of Stenberg's play at the IIHF World Championships. He is one of Team Sweden's leading drivers of offense through group play. 

In seven games so far, Stenberg has four goals and four assists for eight points. If Team Sweden is going to win the tournament, and the tools are there for them to do so, Stenberg must continue on this trajectory. 

Stenberg won the Gold Medal with Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships back in January, and now he's looking to add another team victory to his resume going into the draft. 

This success, especially given it was a step up in opponent class, is making him appear more enticing at the top of the draft. If the San Jose Sharks really want to take a defenseman, they could move down a few slots and get one while a team comes up to get Stenberg. 

The Blackhawks could be the team to move up to do it, but the Sharks may not want to make a trade like that with the Blackhawks because they could be Western Conference foes in the playoffs down the line.

If the Blackhawks somehow did end up with Stenberg, it would be a big boost for both him and Anton Frondell to play together in the NHL. They have played together at the World Juniors and World Championships now, which has allowed them to show off some notable chemistry in the offensive zone. 

It is often said because it is true: a lot can happen before the draft begins. However, where things stand today, Kyle Davidson can't be banking on Stenberg being there when he comes up to select at four. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay up to date on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Heading into the 2026 offseason, the Philadelphia Flyers are equipped with a ton of draft capital and assets, with various paths to explore to make good use of them.

And, although they just made the playoffs, it might be wise to continue to invest via the NHL draft.

As things currently stand, the Flyers won't be able to make too much happen with the No. 21 overall pick they own, but they could package that to acquire something greater, whether it be a player or another draft pick higher in the order.

If the Flyers opt to go for the latter, they won't have to look much further than the Chicago Blackhawks, who are picking fourth overall in the 2026 draft.

Despite landing young talents like Anton Frondell, Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, Spencer Knight, and Frank Nazar, the Blackhawks remain in the NHL's doldrums, mired in mediocrity.

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta via the "Morning Cuppa Hockey" show, the Blackhawks would consider parting ways with that No. 4 pick if it brought them a young player who can contribute now and comes with team control.

Now, the Flyers wouldn't offer Matvei Michkov or Porter Martone for an unknown commodity draft pick that, like a car, becomes less valuable as soon as it is used.

They can however, take from their glut of wingers and defensemen to help make a useful trade package by means of diminishing returns, helping the Blackhawks put a more competent supporting cast around Bedard.

Remember When the Flyers Were Favorites to Sign Mitch Marner?The Philadelphia Flyers should have been all-in for Vegas Golden Knights superstar Mitch Marner when they had the chance.

That might have to come at the cost of Tyson Foerster and/or Owen Tippett, the Flyers' own first-round pick, and someone like Emil Andrae or Oliver Bonk.

Those are the talents and ages that Chicago will need to make such a trade worthwhile from their perspective.

As for the Flyers, trading for the No. 4 pick would certainly come with its benefits.

Assuming Gavin McKenna, Chase Reid, and Caleb Malhotra are the first three players off the board, the Flyers can ease the losses of Foerster and/or Tippett with the selection of Swedish starlet Ivar Stenberg, who has a real case to go No. 1 ahead of McKenna.

Or, if the Flyers opt to go off the board a bit, they can get their top-six center in Tynan Lawrence or Viggo Bjorck, or get a blue-chip defenseman like Carson Carels, Alberts Smits, or Keaton Verhoeff.

They aren't NHL-proven talents, to be clear, but they are the high-end talents the Flyers are looking for and crave with a reasonable path to getting them.

Stenberg is the obvious cream of the crop among all those alternative names, and the Flyers having a long-term core of Stenberg, Martone, and Michkov on the wings would be absurd, to say the least.

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Not only have the Detroit Red Wings featured some of the greatest NHL talents to have ever hit the ice throughout their history, but some of the toughest. 

During his heyday, the legendary Gordie Howe was not only one of the most skilled players, but also one of the hardest-nosed and physically imposing presences on the ice, who was never shy about clearing his way through opponents. 

Of course, the Red Wings also featured the iconic "Bruise Brothers" duo of Bob Probert and Joey Kocur. Additionally, Stu Grimson spent a portion of his NHL career in Detroit. 

Known as one of the fiercest fighters in NHL history, the late Probert skated in over 900 NHL games between the Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, racking up over 3,000 penalty minutes. 

Grimson, who fought Probert multiple times, recently recounted a story of their on-ice bouts that always made for must-see action for the fans. 

"I fought Probie...we fought 14 times over the course of our careers," Grimson said while on the Ice Guardians Podcast. "Like, there was nobody I fought more than Probie. The same is true of him, God rest his soul. Probie was a handful, he was a good fighter. He didn't hit like some of the other guys did." 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Grimson played a total of 68 games with the Red Wings, during which he racked up 165 penalty minutes. 

In 729 career games, Grimson accumulated 2,113 penalty minutes, a large portion of which came from fighting majors. 

While the role of players who are mostly deployed as "enforcers" has been phased out of the game, fans who watched the respective careers of the late Probert as well as Grimson look back upon those memories fondly.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to interview Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft this week, according to hockey insider Frank Seravalli. 

The 49-year-old Toronto native, also interviewed with the Los Angeles Kings last week, according to Seravalli, who says Woodcroft is “one of the front runners” for the Toronto job, positioning him as a strong candidate to return to an NHL head coaching role next season.

Toronto’s head coaching vacancy, opened after the abrupt dismissal of Craig Berube following a disappointing season and has already drawn significant interest across the hockey world. With new general manager John Chayka and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin at the helm, the organization is conducting a “wide and deep” search, according to Chayka.

This development comes as the Leafs' search process remains in its early-to-mid stages. Seravalli noted a broad field of up to 20 interviewees with varying levels of experience, with most conversations currently taking place via Zoom. The organization plans to regroup around the NHL Draft Combine next week in Buffalo before shifting focus to in-person interviews with a select group of finalists the following week.

For Woodcroft, the opportunity represents a homecoming of sorts. Born and raised in Toronto, the former University of Alabama-Huntsville player has deep roots in the city. His potential return as head coach of the Maple Leafs would carry both sentimental value and professional intrigue, especially given the high-pressure environment that defines one of the NHL's marquee franchises.

A Proven Track Record Built Through the Ranks

Woodcroft’s coaching journey is one of steady progression and notable achievements. He broke into the NHL coaching ranks as a video coach with the Detroit Red Wings in 2005, contributing to their 2008 Stanley Cup victory. He then spent seven seasons (2008-15) as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks under Todd McLellan, helping guide the team to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances in 2010 and 2011.

#Leafs coaching search update, per sources:
- #FlyTogether Jay Woodcroft scheduled to interview this week. Interviewed with #LAKings last week. Handicapped as “one of the front runners” for the Toronto job. Either spot, solid bet to be an NHL HC again next season.
- Wide swath of…

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 27, 2026

After rejoining McLellan with the Edmonton Oilers as an assistant coach from 2015-18, Woodcroft took over as head coach of the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, in 2018. Over four-plus seasons, he compiled a strong 105-71-21 record, securing two Pacific Division titles and developing numerous players who graduated to the NHL.

His big break at the NHL level came in February 2022 when he was promoted to interim head coach of the Oilers midway through the season. Woodcroft quickly stabilized a struggling Edmonton squad, leading them to a 38-26-9 record in 73 games and a playoff run that reached the Western Conference Final. The following full season (2022-23), he guided the Oilers to a franchise-best 50-23-9 record (109 points), setting an NHL record with a 32.4% power-play efficiency. The team was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

Overall, Woodcroft's NHL head coaching record stands at 79-41-13 (.643 points percentage) across 133 regular-season games, with a 14-14 playoff record. These numbers reflect a coach capable of maximizing star talent like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, while implementing structured defensive play and special teams excellence.

However, his tenure in Edmonton ended on a sour note. After a 3-9-1 start to the 2023-24 season, Woodcroft was fired in November 2023 where under new a new head coach, the Oilers advanced to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals.

Woodcroft  spent time as an assistant with the Ducks under Joel Quenneville in 2025-26, He has interviewed for several openings in recent cycles, often emerging as a finalist or strong contender.

Assessing Woodcroft's Fit and Chances in Toronto

What makes Woodcroft an appealing candidate for the Maple Leafs? Several factors stand out. First, his experience turning around a high-skill, underachieving team in Edmonton mirrors the challenges Toronto has faced in recent years. The Leafs boast elite offensive talent in Auston Matthews and William Nylander, but have struggled with consistency, defensive structure, and postseason success beyond the first round.

Woodcroft's emphasis on player development, detailed systems, and special teams could address these gaps. His track record with the Condors demonstrates an ability to nurture young talent, which could prove valuable as Toronto potentially integrates prospects. Being a Toronto native might also help him navigate the intense media scrutiny and fan expectations that come with the job.

That said, the Leafs’ search is far from over. Names like Bruce Cassidy (a Stanley Cup winner with a proven track record), Peter Laviolette, and up-and-coming college coach David Carle of the University of Denver have been mentioned as potential targets. Internal options, such as assistant Derek Lalonde, are also under consideration., casting a broad net before narrowing it down.

Woodcroft's chances appear solid but not guaranteed. As a "front runner", he likely sits among a small group of top contenders. His recent interview with the Kings shows he's in demand, and his availability as an assistant (rather than a sitting head coach) gives Toronto flexibility. However, the final decision will hinge on interviews, cultural fit, and alignment with the new front office's vision for a fresh start.

The pressure in Toronto is immense. The Leafs have not advanced past the second round since 2004 and are coming off a season that saw them finish last in the Atlantic Division under Berube. Chayka’s regime, bolstered by Sundin’s hockey acumen, needs a coach who can command respect in the room, implement a sustainable identity, and deliver results in a win-now environment.

What Lies Ahead

As the process moves toward in-person interviews, all eyes will be on how Woodcroft presents his vision. For Leafs fans, the idea of a hometown coach with proven NHL success offers hope after years of playoff disappointment. Yet hockey history is littered with promising candidates who didn't quite fit the unique puzzle of coaching in Toronto.

Woodcroft has already proven he can win at the NHL level and develop players. Whether he becomes the 33rd head coach in Maple Leafs history remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be telling as Chayka and company aim to find the right voice to lead a franchise hungry for sustained success.