TSN’s Pierre LeBrun has answered one very important question about the Maple Leafs’ firing of power play coach Marc Savard on Monday.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Toronto will not hire an outside replacement, choosing instead to handle the power play internally for now. It’s unclear as to whether assistant coach Derek Lalonde, head coach Craig Berube or another coach from lower in the Maple Leafs’ system will handle the power play duties.
That choice is revealing. Savard was brought in to unlock a unit loaded with elite shooters, yet results stalled, and the Leafs currently sit last in the league, with just 12 power play goals this season. For reference, Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston has 13 PP goals on his own this season.
Firing an assistant midseason already signals urgency. Declining to replace him externally adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting that the organization believes that Savard himself was the core issue, rather than the structure or the players themselves.
Leafs taking a gamble by not seeking a replacement for Savard?
From a fan perspective, this feels like a controlled gamble. External hires often bring fresh ideas but rarely immediate fixes, especially midseason. Toronto seems more interested in seeing whether execution improves when pressure shifts squarely onto players and remaining staff.
LeBrun shared the update Tuesday. It bears mentioning that the plan could change if results demand it.
Savard’s tenure was defined by flashes rather than consistency. There were stretches where puck movement looked sharp and shot volume climbed, yet sustained success never followed. Opponents adjusted, lanes closed, and the Leafs struggled to counter with secondary looks or layered threats.
By staying in house, Toronto avoids another reset while quietly placing the power play on a short leash. If internal tweaks spark improvement, the decision looks efficient and calm. If stagnation continues, outside options will resurface quickly and loudly.
As a fan watching this unfold, the message is clear. The Leafs believe their power play problems are fixable without importing a new voice. The coming weeks will show whether that belief reflects confidence or hesitation, and whether internal answers finally translate into goals when it matters most.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily