The Leafs might get accused of leaning in a little too hard on Gillis connections but Malhotra is generally considered one of the top up and coming head coaches so honestly I'd probably prefer him to any retreads.
Leafs Front Office 2026-27
- Thread starter herman
- Start date
L K
Well-known member
Malholtra seemed well liked when he was here as the faceoff guru. It sounded more like he left to get a (albeit AHL) head coaching gig and wasn't going to be directly on the bench for the Leafs. It wasn't like the Leafs didn't want him around.
I'm not against it, especially if the core of the team has respect for him.
I'm not against it, especially if the core of the team has respect for him.
herman
Well-known member
He won the Calder Cup in his first year as head coach with Abbottsford; never mind that they missed the playoffs this year as the Canucks imploded and pulled every non-injured player up.
He just comes off like a blustering, sanctimonious douchebag.
Guilt Trip
Well-known member
Yup, no retreads, especially if they've won a cup. Leafs need a new younger voice that doesn't think like a dinosaur. Malhotra, David Carle, Todd Nelson appear to be those guys.
I wouldn't expect him to say anything even if he had a clue. 100% he knows his job isn't secure until the new people are put in place and tell him so. Anyone in the Leafs Org with half a brain should know he has to go. The team has been an utter failure. Their numbers have dropped significantly since he took over. If they're going to be into AI and analytics, just look at 34s deployment and that should be enough for immediate dismissal.
How about one hire at the top, and they build their own team?
herman
Well-known member
The prevailing theory is that the HOHO has basically been selected already (on paper, not publicized) and has been taking an active role in the ongoing recruitment/selection through the search firm, which would be an efficient use of a process already in motion. Once they lock in on the various components, it appears they plan to announce all at once.
Some of the GM candidates whose names seeped out into the mediascape are currently in the midst of playoff pushes.
Yeah it's hard to imagine that Gillis isn't already hired. I can't see MLSE giving full reigns to the other names currently being thrown around without a more veteran guy above them.
Joe S.
Moderator
Part of me doesn't like this Gillis media promotion and that he's been out of the game for 12 years .... Buuuuuut he's got a track record of success. Whereas Treliving might have been to a track and bought a record.