Johnston Refutes Maple Leafs-Carlyle Head Coaching Rumor

Recent rumors linking Toronto Maple Leafs to David Carle have been dispelled by TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston. On May 31, 2026, Johnston clarified that there is no substance to the speculation regarding Carle coaching the Maple Leafs.
David Carle’s Coaching Achievements
David Carle, 36, is the head coach at the University of Denver. Under his leadership, the team has secured three National Championships over the past five years. Additionally, Carle has guided the United States to two titles at the World Junior Championships.
Maple Leafs’ Coaching Search
The Maple Leafs are currently in pursuit of a new head coach after parting ways with Craig Berube earlier in May. This decision follows the appointment of John Chayka as the new general manager, who emphasized the importance of this choice.
General Manager’s Statements
Chayka stated, “We’ll take our time and try to get it right.” He described this decision as the most critical for a general manager. Under Berube, the Maple Leafs had an overall record of 84 wins, 62 losses, and 18 overtime losses. However, last season, their performance dipped significantly, with a record of 32 wins, 36 losses, and 14 overtime losses.
- Previous Season Points: 108
- Current Season Points: 78
- Year-over-Year Points Decline: 30 points
With the search underway, the Maple Leafs remain focused on finding a suitable replacement who can lead them back to success in future seasons.



