Joe Pavelski emerged as a surprise candidate for the Toronto Maple Leafs head coaching vacancy. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that Toronto would interview Pavelski for its open role. Pavelski has now confirmed his interest in the role, and elaborated on the process.

“We have had discussions there, obviously,” Pavelski said Thursday via Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. “Their process, they’re going through many options and stuff, but it’s been very interesting and intriguing in a lot of ways, and I’m excited to go through the process and kind of see where it leads.”

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.”

Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka told reporters at the NHL Scouting Combine that there’s no timeline for the hiring. Pavelski appears to be the favourite at this juncture, and while it would constitute a high-risk, high-reward scenario for the Maple Leafs, he would constitute a new voice behind the bench, with an empathetic ear towards Matthews, Nylander and the rest of the core.

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