Terry Koshan explains why Joe Pavelski makes sense for Toronto: Leafs Morning Take

Memo to Leafs Nation: There’s hope.

Thanks to their stunning come-from-behind win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the New York Knicks are now just one win away from their first championship since 1973.

Just like the Leafs, that fan base has been put through the wringer year after year. The job’s not done yet, but if the Knicks can finish this off, it’ll be proof that even the longest droughts can come to an end.

Ultimately, that’s where the conversation started on the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take as David Pagnotta subbed in for Jay Rosehill. From there, we previewed a pivotal Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh. With the series tied 2-2, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Who will step up and seize control? Brandon Bussi is expected to get the nod again for Carolina, which would also hold home-ice advantage in a potential Game 7.

Meantime, we’re expecting plenty of fireworks around the NHL over the next month. Pagnotta touched on what Vegas could have up its sleeve this offseason—even if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup. It was also his first appearance on the show since dropping the Matthew Knies trade bombshell last week, so he explained how the story came together and whether there’s any chance that deal could be revived. He doesn’t believe that’s likely. More broadly, Pagnotta expects a flurry of activity across the league leading up to the NHL Draft and into free agency. Furthermore, Pagnotta weighed in on Toronto’s coaching search. There isn’t much new to report, but he believes the list has been whittled down to a handful of candidates. Among the names he mentioned were Patrick Roy, Jay Woodcroft, Dallas Eakins, and Joe Pavelski, all of whom remain in the mix as the Leafs continue their search.

After that, Toronto Sun Leafs reporter Terry Koshan joined the show to break down the latest in Toronto’s coaching search, including the growing speculation surrounding Pavelski. While initially surprised by the rumour, Koshan explained why he believes Pavelski could be a legitimate fit after speaking with Pete DeBoer and Steve Spott, both of whom praised the former NHL star’s coach-like approach to the game. He also weighed in on Bruce Cassidy’s availability, Mike Babcock’s reported connection to Edmonton, and whether Marlies bench boss John Gruden deserves consideration for the Leafs job. The conversation then shifted to the Marlies’ impressive run to the Calder Cup Final. Koshan highlighted Artur Akhtyamov’s stellar play as a major reason for the team’s success while also discussing the development of Easton Cowan and Ben Danford. He wrapped up by sharing his thoughts on Toronto’s goaltending situation and what the Leafs could do in net this offseason.

I’ll be riding solo for the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. First up, I’ll recap Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Then, you’ll see my interview with Marlies head coach John Gruden ahead of the start of the Calder Cup Final. Plus, newly appointed Hamilton Hammers head coach Jay McKee will drop by the show as well.