Maple Leafs – GM John Chayka says Toronto is in the “final phases” of its coaching search and expects a decision within the next several days. Among the names mentioned publicly is Pat Ferschweiler, the 56-year-old Western Michigan head coach who won a National Championship
Earlier Tuesday, the Maple Leafs’ coaching search came up during a zoom call tied to Toronto’s trade with Philadelphia. GM John Chayka didn’t talk in circles. He said the organization is “in the final phases.”
“We’ve had some in-person meetings recently and we’re getting down to decision-time. Should be in the next several days.”
In that narrow window, the list of candidates people have been circling keeps evolving. Different names — some unique, some familiar — have been linked to the Maple Leafs’ search, including David Carle, Dallas Eakins, Peter Laviolette, and Joe Pavelski.
Now another name is being added to the conversation: Pat Ferschweiler.
Ferschweiler, 56, has spent the past five seasons as head coach at NCAA Western Michigan. The headline on his resume is also the kind of detail that makes him stand out in a coaching carousel: he won a National Championship in 2025.
Before that run, his path included both development and pro-adjacent work. Prior to Western Michigan, he spent one year as an assistant coach at AHL Grand Rapids. After that, he spent four years with the Red Wings alongside Jeff Blashill.
The Maple Leafs have, so far, done a pretty good job of keeping several contenders’ names out of the limelight. And even with Ferschweiler now in the mix, there’s an expectation that more will surface before an official announcement lands.
Chayka’s message is simple, but the stakes aren’t. With “decision-time” coming in the next several days. every name being floated — whether it’s one fans already recognize or a coach winning at the NCAA level — is moving toward the same moment: the choice that will set the tone for Toronto’s next chapter.
Maple Leafs coaching search John Chayka Pat Ferschweiler Western Michigan NCAA National Championship 2025 Dallas Eakins Peter Laviolette Joe Pavelski David Carle Jeff Blashill