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Former NHL head coach linked to Maple Leafs coaching staff.
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Former NHL head coach linked to Maple Leafs coaching staff.

NHL insider Darren Dreger shares some insight into who might be behind the bench in Toronto next year.

Jonathan Larivee

Two weeks ago the Toronto Maple Leafs revealed one of the worst kept secrets in hockey when they announced that veteran National Hockey League head coach Craig Berube would take over as the next head coach of the Maple Leafs.

Although we have known for some time who will be leading the Maple Leafs behind the bench next season, the picture when it comes to the other members of the Maple Leafs coaching staff hasn't been so clear. On Monday morning, NHL insider Darren Dreger shared some insight on two names he believes will be behind the bench alongside Berube next season, and named a third that is up in the air.

"They're working on it," said Dreger of the Maple Leafs rounding out their coaching staff during a segment on First Up Monday morning.

The first name dropped by Dreger was that of former NHL head coach and former NHL player Lane Lambert.

"I have heard some names over the last few days I would say that are of interest to me," began Dreger. "I've heard that Lane Lambert, formerly of the New York Islanders, could join the Toronto Maple Leafs. " (Forwards)

Lambert spent 11 years as an assistant or associate coach in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and New York Islanders prior to taking over head coaching duties for the Islanders during the 2022-23 season, a position he would only hold for two seasons. On top of Lambert's wealth of experience as an NHL coach, he also has 283 games of NHL experience under his belt as a former player for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Quebec Nordiques.

Dreger believes that Lambert's focus will be on the Maple Leafs' forwards, but also dropped a name when it comes to the defensive side of Berube's coaching staff.

The second name dropped by Dreger on Monday morning will be a familiar one to fans in Toronto, with Dreger indicating that a former member of Sheldon Keefe's coaching staff will remain on board.

"Mike van Ryn I believe is staying with the Maple Leafs and he would help manage the defense," said Dreger.

Last but not least Dreger mentioned that Marc Savard could also be involved.

"Still a question mark beside Marc Savard," added Dreger.

The insider also had some thoughts on who would be out the door to make room.

"You add those guys it seems pretty clear that there would be change and that would likely come at the expense of [Dean] Chynoweth and Guy Boucher," said Dreger.