David Carle won three NCAA titles and the Leafs are recruiting him to send Auston Matthews a message
Photo credit: Jim Rosvold - The Rink Live
University of Denver head coach David Carle has been in contact with the Toronto Maple Leafs and it's about sending a message to Auston Matthews that they're serious.
Elliotte Friedman noted the Maple Leafs have contacted NCAA coach David Carle for their head coaching position. With three NCAA titles and being one of the most respected and coveted names in all of hockey, he would prove to Auston Matthews that Toronto was serious about winning and keeping him in town, even if the team doesn't manage to sign him.
Craig Berube's firing came at a time when Toronto needed to make a decision one way or another. First they were behind him, then he was fired nine days later. They managed to actually listen to fan outcry but now it leaves them on a search for a new bench boss.
GM John Chayka admitted that the team is going to go through an extensive and deep search when it comes to finding a new head coach and leaving no stone unturned, although experience isn't necessarily a make-or-break asset.
Carle has rejected several NHL offers and just signed an extension so Chayka already has an idea of the answer
One name who has been brought up in talks as a potential coach is University of Denver head coach David Carle. Coveted by several NHL teams in the past, it's been like pulling teeth trying to get him away from the NCAA where he's built a dynasty in Denver.
Amassing a 199-80-13-7 record since becoming head coach in 2018-19, he also won three NCAA Championships (2021-22, 2023-24, 2025-26) and is one of the best minds in the entire game both professional and amateur.
But Elliotte Friedman revealed that Toronto is still giving it a go and have at least initiated contact with Carle and hope for another meeting down the line:
There's an initial conversation with University of Denver head coach David Carle. I've heard it's been an initial conversation to gauge his interest, I believe they will talk again but I caution anyone running with it too hard or feeling he is a favourite.
Toronto is determined not to rush into this but at the very least I can say I've heard there's been initial contact between Carle and the Maple Leafs if there's room for an in-depth conversation.
Toronto is determined not to rush into this but at the very least I can say I've heard there's been initial contact between Carle and the Maple Leafs if there's room for an in-depth conversation.
While it would be a stunning coup to see him come in and take the reins but given he just signed a long-term extension in May 2025; he's likely wanting to stick around Colorado. Chayka is doing due diligence by at least getting in his ear, though he has to know that Carle is probably not going to mull it over too long.
Going after David Carle proves to Auston Matthews that Toronto is serious; even if they don't get him
While it's the longest of long-shots to get Carle aboard, Auston Matthews has to at least feel a bit confident that his front office is taking the effort to at least try and find some heavy hitters.
Carle was almost seen as an untouchable coach to talk to given that he rejected so many offers in the past and it's notoriously hard to pry away a successful college coach regardless of sport. You have to really incentivize their hiring by giving them either a top-tier roster, a huge contract, or likely both.
But getting Carle is the icing on the cake, because the real strategy is just talking to him in the first place. Matthews wants to see action from his GM and Chayka going outside the box and trying to snag the biggest fish in the pond should give him confidence about future moves.
Chayka knows he's not getting him, but the fact he isn't afraid of going after him shows he has the fortitude to make the big moves, something Brad Treliving lacked.
If Chayka is willing to go for Carle, is he also willing to pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade or free agent signing? If so, then that means Matthews is likely going to get the pieces he needs to be competitive, therefore piquing his interest in sticking around.
When it comes to Auston Matthews' timeframe, he gave the team until July to get things figured out. He may be willing to give them a bit more time if they can bring David Carle aboard, but even if not - he's gotta give them credit for trying.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
The Boston coach who suffocated Auston Matthews for years is now a Maple Leafs candidate
The Boston coach who suffocated Auston Matthews for years is now a Maple Leafs candidate
Previously on Hockey Patrol