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Boudreau Confirms Interest in Leafs Coaching Job, Hasn’t Heard From Team

Bruce Boudreau confirms he’s interested in the assistant coaching job in Toronto.

Former NHL head coach Bruce Boudreau has confirmed that he’s interested in potentially becoming an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The only problem is, the team hasn’t reached out yet to ask him.

Speculation is that Boudreau would like to land a head coaching job but there is going to be some stiff competition for work this offseason. While he didn’t note if he has applied for any vacant positions, he says he is open to the idea of becoming an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs under Sheldon Keefe.

“I understand they’ve asked for permission but nobody’s talked to me yet,” Boudreau told The Star in a phone interview on Monday. “I mean, I think the idea is cool. He added, “The biggest part of it is I just want to be involved in hockey and coaching in the NHL again next year. My goal is to become a head coach but the idea of being an assistant in Toronto is really intriguing.”

Boudreau is heavily tied to the Toronto area and has history with the team. He didn’t shy away from saying that’s one of the reasons he’s so intrigued by the potential of working for the organization. While he’d like to work again somewhere in the NHL, Toronto is high on his radar. “That’s because it’s Toronto,” he said.

As for how he thinks he can help the Maple Leafs, Boudreau believes in that team. He notes, “Even though they haven’t had the success they’d like, I think they’re good enough that they could be an NHL Stanley Cup contender any year.” He adds that his goal has been to win a Stanley Cup before he retires and if he believes the Leafs will give him that chance, he’s interested. “I mean that’s very intriguing.”

Boudreau Just Wants to Work

This stretch he’s currently on is the longest he’s ever been without a job in the league. Hew as fired by the Minnesota Wild in February, and has previously coached in Washington and Anaheim.

Until he hears from the Leafs (if he ever does) Boudreau is working part-time on NBC as a colour analyst in the playoffs. Boudreau is one of the most successful head coaches in hockey history. He boasts a regular-season record of 467-302-115 in 984 games, 22nd on the all-time list in terms of wins. His .635 winning percentage is fifth among coaches with at least 200 games behind a bench.

The Maple Leafs could do a whole lot worse.

h/t to therecord.com for the quotes

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