Where Is Pete DeBoer Going to Land Next Season?
The coach will return in 2026-27, but with which team?
There’s a very good chance that former NHL head coach Pete DeBoer will be back in the NHL to start the 2026-27 season. He’s been keeping a close eye on the league, taking a year to get himself right personally and professionally. All the while, there are NHL teams struggling and likely to make changes. He’ll certainly be on several coaching short lists.
DeBoer may be open to several options, but where will he end up? "That list of teams that you'd like to coach... is a lot longer than people think," said DeBoer when talking to Leafs Morning Take.
The Toronto Maple Leafs
This one feels obvious for several reasons. The Maple Leafs are going to miss the playoffs, and there are questions throughout that organization. Never shy about making coaching changes if the feeling is that the current set-up isn’t working, DeBoer could be brought in to replace Craig Berube, who is inevitably on the hot seat.
Not all of the team’s struggles are on the coach. Injuries, effort level from the top guys, and trades not working out as hoped all played a factor. That said, the quick fix is often behind the bench, and Toronto likes to go with the well-known, established name.
DeBoer is that. He’s been to two Conference Finals in recent seasons, and he’s coached teams into solid winning records with strong playoff performances. The Maple Leafs will see this as attractive.
Essentially, the thought in Toronto is that Berube’s style hasn’t clicked with Toronto’s core. The team has looked “checked out,” with poor effort, a lack of push in close games, and disconnected.
The Edmonton Oilers
