NHL analyst suggests bold new candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs head coaching job
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
This evening, a new report from an NHL analyst has suggested Kitchener Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas as a potential frontrunner for the Toronto Maple Leafs opening.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently undergoing an overhaul of their front office and coaching staff after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in a decade.
With former head coach Craig Berube relieved of his duties recently speculation has begun on who his replacement will ultimately be.
While many names with experience such as Bruce Cassidy, Kris Knoblauch, and Jay Woodcroft have been suggested NHL analyst Michael Mazzei believes the best candidate could actually come from the OHL instead.
NHL analyst suggests junior hockey coaching phenom as next Maple Leafs bench boss
In a new discussion on the Maple Leafs head coaching search, Michael Mazzei of Leafs Nation suggested Jussi Ahokas as the next head coach to usher in a new and exciting era of Maple Leafs hockey.
Ahokas would represent a bold new direction for the Leafs and an innovative system that would be a breath of fresh air from the dull and predictable style that Berube implemented. - Michael Mazzei
Mazzei points to the major turnaround in success for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL since Ahokas' arrival as an indicator for success at other levels.
Ahokas is a modern coach who is tactical, calm, and analytical. He works well with integrating young, high-skilled players into the lineup without killing their creativity. - Michael Mazzei
Ahokas would be a fascinating choice not only for his lack of NHL experience but simply for the fact that he is from Finland.
Currently, there is only one European head coach in the NHL Marco Sturm of the Boston Bruins who enjoyed a long and impressive playing career before getting into coaching.
Ahokas on the other hand never played hockey at the professional level and has only coached in North America for the last three seasons.
While Ahokas would be a major risk for the Maple Leafs as a potential hire he does come with some unpredictable upside as well to bring a culture unseen before immediately to the Maple Leafs organization.
As the Maple Leafs head coaching search continues, it will be interesting to see if Ahokas is considered or if he will be pushed aside for coaches with more NHL and pro hockey experience.
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