Report: Leafs to interview Joe Pavelski in coach search

Field Level Media|published: Sun 7th June, 11:43 2026

Nov 23, 2018; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) warms up before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs plan to interview former NHL center Joe Pavelski for their head coaching vacancy, Sportsnet reported on Sunday.

Pavelski, 41, retired after the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 1,068 points (476 goals, 592 assists) in 1,332 games with the San Jose Sharks (2006-19) and Dallas Stars (2019-24).

The report called him a "Martin St. Louis-style candidate," referring to St. Louis' successful transition from the ice to the bench as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

A longtime Sharks captain, Pavelski has been coaching his son, Nate, at the youth level in Madison, Wis., according to the report.

The Maple Leafs reportedly have conducted virtual interviews with at least 15 candidates, including Patrick Roy, Peter Laviolette and David Carle.

Toronto fired coach Craig Berube after finishing last in the Atlantic Division and next-to-last in the Eastern Conference (32-36-14, 78 points) in 2025-26.

--Field Level Media

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