Maple Leafs news and rumors: Lalonde, Van Ryn, Nylander, Gruden and Cowan – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to navigate an important offseason. While the search for a new head coach remains the organization’s top priority, questions about the program and the future of several young players continue to shape the conversation around the team.

As June approaches, the team seems to be taking a measured approach to almost every major decision. The coaching search continues, key veterans are making their intentions known, and one of the organization’s top players is dealing with an injury while helping the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies chase the Calder Cup.

Here’s a look at the three biggest stories for the Maple Leafs heading into the new week.

Maple Leafs Talk to Two Internal Candidates in Coaching Search

The biggest unanswered question in Toronto remains who will replace Craig Berube behind the bench. Although Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has kept the coaching search out of the public eye, a few details are starting to emerge. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, former Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is already interviewing for the position. Friedman also believes current Leafs assistant Mike Van Ryn has been interviewed.

Lalonde brings NHL head coaching experience to the table. He spent parts of three seasons running for the Red Wings and helped guide Detroit through an important phase of its rebuild. Van Ryn, on the other hand, has little head coaching experience, making him a long-time pick even though he is familiar with the organization.

The fact that Toronto is looking in and out suggests that Chayka is casting a wide net. With next month’s NHL draft approaching, the organization may want to have a coach in place before then, but there still doesn’t seem to be any rush to make a decision.

Nylander Makes His Feelings Clear

At a time when speculation continues to swirl around possible roster changes, William Nylander has made one thing clear: he wants to stay in Toronto. In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, Nylander said he has no desire to leave the Maple Leafs. That’s hardly surprising given the state of his contract, but it’s notable given the amount of talk about potential changes to the team’s core following another disappointing playoff run.

Nylander has spent 11 seasons with the organization and has six years left on his contract with an average annual value of $11.5 million. He also has full trade protection, which gives him complete control over his future.

Perhaps the biggest thing of all is that Nylander continues to publicly identify with the organization despite all the outside noise. After posting a career-best 1.22 points per game this season, he remains one of Toronto’s most dangerous players. [Although he noted on the video that he was dealing with something last season that didn’t allow him to train like he usually did.] Unless the Maple Leafs are turning to a major rebuild, there isn’t much reason to believe either side wants to part ways.

Easton Cowan Suffers Injury During Marlies Run

One of Toronto’s most promising prospects was not on the roster Friday night. Marlies coach Jon Gruden confirmed that Easton Cowan is dealing with a physical injury, though he suggested the condition is more maintenance related than anything serious. Cowan’s status for Monday’s game has not been confirmed.

The timing is notable because Cowan has been one of the Marlies’ most productive players throughout their playoff run. Entering the weekend, he sits among the AHL’s scoring leaders with five goals and four assists in 14 postseason games.

While the Maple Leafs will be wary of one of their top role models, the big picture remains positive. Cowan continues to gain valuable playoff experience against professional competition, something that should help his development as he pushes for a bigger role in the organization moving forward.

What’s Next for Maple Leaves?

The coming weeks could answer a few important questions for the Maple Leafs. The coaching search is always front and center, and each new name attached to the vacancy provides another clue as to what Chayka is looking for in his next bench boss.

At the same time, the organization appears to be gathering information before making any major roster decisions. Nylander’s comments suggest that at least some key members remain fully invested in winning in Toronto, and Cowan’s progress with the Marlies continues to give the club reasons to be optimistic about the future.

For now, patience is still the theme. The Maple Leafs don’t rush their coaching hires, don’t feature drastic roster changes, and allow their young prospects to continue to develop. Whether that patience finally pays off may define the franchise’s next chapter.