Joe Pavelski confirms interest in Leafs’ head coaching vacancy: ‘I’m excited to go through the process’
Pavelski is considered the clear favourite at this juncture, with Patrick Roy reportedly still among the finalists.
“We’ve had a couple of discussions,” Pavelski said. “It’s a process, they’re [being] very thorough through it. They have a bunch of stuff on their end. You’re just being patient and figuring out things on your end, so there’s not a lot to talk about right now.”
The 41-year-old retired after the 2023-24 season, recording 476 goals and 1,068 points in 1,332 NHL games. Pavelski does not hold any head coaching experience, but he would be considered a trusted voice that could bridge the gap between the win-now timeline, led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander, and a newer emerging core, that will be led by presumptive first overall pick Gavin McKenna.
Pavelski spoke about how coaching his son’s youth teams has reinvigorated his competitiveness and helped him in his transition from retirement.
“I do like the coaching side. I’ve always thought the game well. It was a strength of mine when I played. When the opportunity kind of came on this one to explore it more, it was something I definitely wanted to entertain, and that’s where kind of the discussions have led.”