Maple Leafs – Toronto has made initial contact with University of Denver head coach David Carle as it begins a broad coaching search, with further discussions expected but no clear favorite emerging. Carle, 36, has led Denver to three NCAA titles and also guided the U.S. wo
Toronto’s search for a new head coach has started reaching beyond the usual shortlist, with the Maple Leafs making initial contact with University of Denver head coach David Carle. It’s a step that sounds promising, but it’s also being treated cautiously as the process stays in motion.
David Carle is the latest name drawn into the Maple Leafs’ coaching conversation.. In a segment that addressed the team’s pursuit. Elliotte Friedman said the contact was “simply been an initial conversation to gauge his interest. ” adding that Toronto is expected to speak with him again.. Friedman also urged restraint. warning: “I would caution anyone against running with it too hard or feeling that he’s a favourite.”
The timing matters. The Maple Leafs fired head coach Craig Berube last Wednesday after two seasons, leaving the organization with an open seat and plenty to sort out. Friedman framed the next phase as a serious undertaking, saying the Maple Leafs are set “to do a big search” for their next coaches.
Carle, 36, brings a résumé that stands out in the college ranks.. Since taking over from Jim Montgomery at Denver in 2018, he has led the Pioneers to three NCAA titles in 2022, 2024 and 2026.. His work also extends to international youth hockey, where he coached the U.S.. world junior team to back-to-back gold medals in 2024 and 2025.
Even with Carle now on the radar, the Maple Leafs’ process isn’t narrowing in public.. Friedman said the situation remains early and called it “premature to name anybody as a favourite right now.” Other possible names in the mix include Jay Woodcroft and Manny Malhotra. depending on how the search evolves.
The picture that emerges from the details is straightforward: after Berube’s dismissal last Wednesday, Toronto moved quickly to establish contact with Carle to test interest, while still keeping the broader search open and refusing to label any candidate as the frontrunner too soon.
Toronto Maple Leafs David Carle Denver Pioneers coaching search Craig Berube NCAA titles world juniors Jay Woodcroft Manny Malhotra