The Toronto Maple Leafs may already have their eyes on a replacement for recently departed assistant coach Lane Lambert—and the target could be a familiar face from a divisional rival.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs are being linked to Joe Sacco, the former Boston Bruins assistant and interim head coach who was let go after a disappointing end to the 2024–25 NHL season.
🔁 Coaching Carousel: Toronto’s Opening, Boston’s Exit
Lane Lambert, part of Craig Berube’s staff, was hired by the Seattle Kraken to fill their assistant coaching vacancy after they parted ways with Dan Bylsma. With Lambert gone, the Leafs now have a gap behind the bench, specifically to manage the penalty kill, a unit Lambert previously oversaw.
Friedman addressed the situation during his latest segment:
“I believe Joe Sacco was told he will not stay as the head coach of the Boston Bruins. I’m actually kind of wondering if he could end up in Toronto, in place of Lane Lambert. We’ll see. But I’m under the impression he won’t be staying.”
Bruins’ Collapse and Sacco’s Exit
After Jim Montgomery was dismissed in November, Sacco stepped in as interim coach. The Bruins struggled through the remainder of the season, finishing with a 25-30-7 record. As a result, Boston missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015–16, triggering a significant roster shakeup.
At the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Boston moved on from several key players:
- Brad Marchand was dealt to the Florida Panthers
- Charlie Coyle, Trent Frederic, and Brandon Carlo were also traded
With Don Sweeney re-signed as general manager, the Bruins are now in the process of searching for a new full-time head coach—and Joe Sacco will not be part of the organization’s plans.
Could Sacco Be a Fit in Toronto?
Despite the Bruins’ rough finish, Sacco brings years of NHL experience as both an assistant and head coach. His knowledge of the Eastern Conference and special teams could prove valuable to Berube’s staff, especially as the Leafs look to tighten their defensive structure.
FAN POLL: Would Joe Sacco Be a Good Fit on the Maple Leafs’ Coaching Staff?
Yes
No
💬 What Do You Think?
Would Joe Sacco be a smart hire for the Leafs? Could he boost their penalty kill and bring a fresh voice to the bench?
Comment below 👇 and join the conversation!
Stay tuned to eHawki for more coaching updates and NHL off-season coverage.
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