Analyst Calls Out Bizarre Coaching Trend in the NHL That's Disadvantaging the Maple Leafs

It's a trend that was brought up by analysts Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, with the likes of Jim Hiller and Spencer Carbery in recent years being poached before Lambert this off-season.

'It is incredible how many times Leafs are poached, whether it's the waiver wire, coaching staff. The rest of the league loves the Toronto Maple Leafs. It feels that way. One year as a Leaf, and I know he's coming off a tough time as a head coach of the New York Islanders, but boom, plucked.'

While this may be just another example of Toronto analysts looking way too into how the Maple Leafs are viewed across the league, it's hard to deny the trend around the league of how teams will target Toronto assistants for bigger roles.

As for the replacement for Lambert or a new face to the staff, the two analysts pointed at two very intriguing names that could fill a role in Toronto.

'The Leafs under Lambert went from 21st to eighth in goals allowed. So they have now a vacancy and associate coach. Two names that come to mind right away. By the way, Bruce Boudreau goes without saying, but how about Phil Housley? We were talking about that vintage and that era.'

It's unclear exactly when and how Toronto will look to replace Lambert, who was a major help to their PK a year ago, but if Alberga and Rosehill's comments hold, it's safe to say that whoever that is may have a bigger role coming in the years ahead.