The Toronto Maple Leafs have made headlines on the eve of Game 7 of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final. General Manager Brad Treliving announced the addition of Marc Savard as an assistant coach to the team’s coaching staff. This move is part of Treliving’s efforts to quietly rebuild the organization following significant off-ice changes after being ousted in the first round of this year’s playoffs by the Boston Bruins.
In the past month, the Leafs have seen considerable turnover. Head coach Sheldon Keefe was fired, and last offseason, Kyle Dubas departed to join the Pittsburgh Penguins. When Treliving took over, he knew he had his work cut out for him, especially after the disappointing playoff result.
Marc Savard Joins the Maple Leafs as Assistant Coach
Marc Savard’s addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs is a strategic move. Known for his offensive prowess during his playing days, Savard was a five-time 20-goal scorer and recorded 63 or more assists in four seasons, finishing his career with 706 points. Although injuries shortened his career, he earned the prestigious honor of having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup as a member of the 2010-11 Boston Bruins, thanks to a petition by the Bruins organization.
Savard formally retired from the NHL in 2018 and has since built a modest coaching resume. He worked with Craig Berube in St. Louis during the 2019-20 season and had two successful seasons coaching the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, achieving a .691 win percentage or better. In Windsor, he also had the privilege of coaching Shane Wright. Most recently, Savard was part of the Calgary Flames coaching staff for the 2023-24 season.
Implications for the Leafs Organization
For the Leafs, Treliving is bringing in a respected hockey mind to bolster the coaching staff. Following the hiring of Craig Berube as head coach, the addition of Savard, who has a strong reputation from his playing days and a connection with Berube, seems to be a solid move. This allows Treliving to focus more on the on-ice product as the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and free agency approach.
With rumors swirling around key players like Mitch Marner and questions about goaltending, the coming weeks promise to be eventful for the Leafs. Stay tuned as the drama in Leaf Land continues to unfold.
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