David Carle to Maple Leafs Rumors Cleared Up

There were reports over the weekend that University of Denver coach David Carle was set to become the next head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. A fake account claiming to be a trusted insider reported that Carle was going to be named head coach. Then, Josh Coleman, play-by-play announcer for the Pembroke Lumberkings of the CCHL, reported, “I can also confirm that David Carle has accepted an offer to be head coach of the @MapleLeafs. Fine-tuning of the contract today, with the announcement likely tomorrow (unless leaked). New regime’s focus on limiting leaks remains strong.”

It turns out the reports were either fabricated or wildly premature.

Colby Cohen reported that the rumors were false. He wrote, “I can tell you all, with 100% certainty David Carle is not close to, nor going to coach the #LeafsForever this season. Not 99% sure, I’m 100% sure. People are lying and making things up. Ryan O’Hara added, “David Carle is not heading to Toronto to coach the Maple Leafs. Original source is a parody account of a popular NHL insider.

Toronto Star writer Jonah Sigel then posted: “To be clear, on both Judd Brackett & or David Carle, I am told NOTHING is imminent with the Maple Leafs. Doesn’t mean either or both won’t happen soon, but you can keep your Monday as is right now. No presser’s planned as of now.”

Finally, Frank Servalli posted, “Sources said David Carle and the Leafs brass had a pleasant conversation early in their process where he politely declined an invitation to interview for their head coaching vacancy. From here, feels like Carle is a man on a mission to fix #cawlidgehockey.

Bottom Line on David Carle and the Maple Leafs

Carle, 36, has built an impressive résumé with three NCAA titles at Denver and two World Junior golds. The Maple Leafs have shown strong interest, holding multiple calls with him. While other candidates have fallen away, Carle remains the most consistently linked name in Toronto’s ongoing coaching search.

He may eventually become the coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, it’s not a given, and it certainly isn’t already a done deal. In fact, it’s less likely that he becomes the coach than it is likely.