Barry Trotz hints at possible job with Maple Leafs

There is a lot of intrigue when it comes to former NHL head coach Barry Trotz and what his future may look like. It got a whole lot more interesting earlier this week when Trotz hinted at the possibility of returning to coach in the league, but behind the bench of an original six team. With the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings all with new coaches and good records, it leaves Toronto as the only plausible destination for Trotz…

And so when Celine Trimarchi, the arena host for the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads, ran into Trotz at the Nashville airport on Thursday, she could help but asked if he could indeed come to Toronto.

This is what Trotz answered her that bring the intrigue up a notch: “the next 15 games will determine where they stand…”

Now, we know, he didn’t say that he’d take the job, or should I say the head coaching job. On the Bob McCown Podcast with NHL insider John Shannon, Trotz said that he’s most interested in a position with a team that would enable him to not only take on head coaching duties, but to move into a management position, as well.

It’s no secret that both Keefe and Dubas are on borrowed time in Toronto and if this team can’t get things sorted out this season, I could see both gentlemen out of their jobs.

Could Trotz be the one taking it all over? Not sure the Maple Leafs would give this huge workload to just one man, however, maybe a change of general manager is where it’s start in Toronto. Earlier this week, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said he doubts the Maple Leafs would want to take on another contract behind the bench.

“I don’t believe Toronto’s braintrust is in any rush to make a coaching change, and the preference is not to. Sheldon Keefe and Mike Babcock are making around $7 million this season…”

But what about a GM change with Trotz as top candidate?

Stay tuned…