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Gerard Gallant believes Maple Leafs must improve defensively heading into next year
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Photo credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Coyle
Jun 4, 2026, 07:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 4, 2026, 00:19 EDT
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The Toronto Maple Leafs had their fair share of struggles during the 2025-26 season, and continue their search for their next head coach.
Former NHL head coach Gerard Gallant joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and co-host David Pagnotta to discuss what he saw from the Maple Leafs last season, how the coaches and existing players can help make a first overall pick feel comfortable, and what the coaching future looks like for himself. 
“They got to be better defensively. They gave up a lot of goals, and they just didn’t look like they paid enough attention to detail in the defensive zone,” Gallant said. “They still have some high-quality skill and talent, but I think they need to get better on the backend. I’m sure any person could tell you that; they just give up way too many scoring chances.”
With the Maple Leafs holding the first overall selection, they are set to bring in a high-end player to their organization. While the pressure will be astronomical for whoever is taken, Gallant believes he will be helped by the players that are already within the Maple Leafs’ locker room. 
“I think the players are going to help more than any coach can help them. Obviously, coaching is a part of it, but Auston Matthews and those guys, they’ve been there. They have done that, they are superstars, and I think they’re going to help the kid more than anybody else,” Gallant said. “Coaches are a part of that, but I think the players will be big in helping whoever comes in adjusting to the NHL.”
Gallant spent the 2025-26 season coaching the Shanghai Dragons in the KHL after stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and New York Rangers. The 62-year-old has 369 career regular-season victories and was off to a strong start with the Dragons before having to resign due to health complications. During the show, Gallant confirmed he’s now healthy and ready to return behind a NHL bench but has received minimal interest throughout the offseason. 
“There’s been nothing. It’s been real quiet, and obviously I’m disappointed and frustrated with that, but it’s been really quiet on my end,” Gallant said. “I’m an old school guy, and when I look back on my experiences, every time I was hired to coach a team, they called me. I didn’t have to reach out to them. When they are interested, they will call you.”
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