Jay Woodcroft is in demand as the Toronto Maple Leafs expressed interest in interviewing him for their head coaching position, recently following discussions with the Kings. The 49-year-old coach, formerly with the Oilers and now an assistant in Anaheim, is seen as a strong candidate for both positions as he aims to return to an NHL bench for the upcoming season. His coaching record positions him favorably in the hiring landscape.

By the Numbers
  • Woodcroft's coaching record stands at 79 wins, 41 losses, and 13 overtime losses.
  • He has a .500 win percentage across 28 playoff games.
State of Play
  • Anders Lee is approaching free agency, with interest from the Islanders to extend his 14-season tenure.
  • Trade candidates are emerging in New York, particularly Anthony Duclair and Pierre Engvall, due to salary cap considerations.
  • Boone Jenner's contract extension discussions with the Blue Jackets have not progressed, raising uncertainty about his future.
What's Next

With interviews ongoing, decisions regarding coaching placements for Woodcroft could shape the coaching landscape ahead of the next season, while players like Lee, Duclair, and Jenner face pivotal contract situations as free agency approaches.

Bottom Line

The ongoing coaching searches and potential player trades could significantly influence team dynamics going into the next NHL season; particularly, Woodcroft’s return to the NHL coaching ranks seems imminent.