Bruce Boudreau could be an ideal assistant on Sheldon Keefe’s staff next year

Am I the only one who thinks Bruce Boudreau would be a perfect fit to take over for the departed Spencer Carbery on Sheldon Keefe’s bench?

I guess so.

To this point, I can confirm that the 68-year-old life-long Leafs fan, who was dismissed by the Vancouver Canucks in late January, has not been interviewed or contacted about the vacant Assistant coaching position.

On the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Jeff Marek floated the names Karl Taylor, Todd Nelson, and Mitch Love. Furthermore, Elliotte Friedman reported on Monday that former Leaf Travis Green is headed to New Jersey to replace Andrew Brunette on the Devils’ bench. Friedman prefaced by saying that Green had options that included Toronto, but ultimately, he chose the Devils.

And so, the search continues.

For a myriad of reasons, I think Boudreau would be a fantastic fit in Toronto. For starters, as mentioned, he’s never shied away from his fandom —this guy loves the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even when he’s coaching elsewhere, he keeps very close tabs on his hometown team. Personally, I think that should stand for something.

Most importantly, the fire still burns. He has the passion. It’s hard to believe but it’s been 47 years since the Leafs selected Boudreau in the third round of the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft. He would go on to play 141 games in the NHL, 134 of which would come dawning the blue and white.

If there were ever a time to bring Bruce Boudreau back home, now would be it. At this stage of his illustrious career, he fully comprehends that the clock is ticking on his aspirations of winning a Stanley Cup, and more specifically, winning a Stanley Cup with his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.

He’s open to anything.

A few years back, Boudreau actually interviewed for this very same position. Of course, the Leafs elected to go a different direction and he ended up behind the bench in Vancouver. We all know how that worked out.

And it’s not like he’s not qualified for the job either. Everywhere he’s coached, Boudreau seems to get the most out of his teams offensively. In theory, his coaching style and ideologies could compliment what the team already has and certainly help to boost them in areas of need. For instance, I think he could do some great things with that power play. For some reason, the well always seems to run dry at the wrong time, so why not give Boudreau a crack at rectifying matters.

Any way you slice it, a potential four-pack of Sheldon Keefe, Bruce Boudreau, Dean Chynoweth, and Manny Malholtra could do wonders for a team very much still searching for answers.

It’s worth a shot.