On the eve of Game 7 of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final, the Toronto Maple Leafs have made headlines with the appointment of Marc Savard as an assistant coach, announced by General Manager Brad Treliving. This move signals Treliving’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the organization following a period of significant off-ice changes. Since their early exit from this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs against the Boston Bruins, the Leafs have undergone substantial turnover, including the dismissal of head coach Sheldon Keefe a little over a month ago. This transition follows last offseason’s departure of Kyle Dubas to the Pittsburgh Penguins, leaving Treliving with the task of reshaping the team’s coaching staff and strategic direction in response to disappointing postseason results.
Marc Savard’s addition to the coaching staff is viewed as a strategic and positive step for the Maple Leafs. A respected figure in hockey, Savard enjoyed a distinguished playing career known for his offensive prowess. He amassed 706 points over his career, marked by five 20-goal seasons and four instances of 63 or more assists. Despite injuries curtailing his playing days, Savard’s contributions were capped with the ultimate honor of having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins, thanks to a special petition by the organization despite not meeting the game requirements in his final season.
Transitioning to his coaching career, Savard has accumulated valuable experience. He worked alongside Craig Berube in St. Louis during the 2019-20 season and notably coached the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires to impressive records, including coaching standout Shane Wright in his second year. Most recently, Savard contributed to the Calgary Flames’ coaching staff during the 2023-24 season, further enhancing his credentials as a seasoned hockey mind.
For the Leafs, Savard’s appointment underlines Treliving’s commitment to assembling a knowledgeable and balanced coaching team. With Craig Berube already at the helm, Savard’s familiarity with Berube and his reputation as a strategic thinker from his playing days make him a valuable addition. This move allows Treliving to shift his focus back to the on-ice product amidst the upcoming flurry of activity in the NHL offseason. With the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and free agency looming in rapid succession, coupled with ongoing speculation surrounding key players like Mitch Marner and goaltending decisions, the Leafs’ organization remains poised for intense scrutiny and speculation in the coming weeks.
In essence, Marc Savard’s arrival as assistant coach symbolizes a significant step in Toronto’s quest for renewed competitiveness and stability. As the Leafs navigate through pivotal decisions and roster adjustments, Savard’s experience and insights are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future on and off the ice.
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