Are the Maple Leafs hiring David Carle? Debunking social media rumors linking Denver coach to Toronto job

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Are the Maple Leafs hiring David Carle? Debunking social media rumors linking Denver coach to Toronto job originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With a roster in flux and sky-high expectations, the Maple Leafs might not be the most appealing job. It is the highest-profile, however, with Toronto's fascinating blend of history and notoriety making it one of the NHL's most prominent destinations.

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Craig Berube faltered in the spotlight, missing the playoffs entirely during his second season with the Leafs. That left him in a scalding hot seat during the regular season. Weeks after the season came to a close, Berube — a former Stanley Cup winner with the Blues — was dismissed.

A host of names were put forward as potential Berube replacements, from Bruce Cassidy to Patrick Roy. Few sparkled quite like Denver coach David Carle, who has enjoyed a glistening tenure with the Pioneers.

Some thought Carle was a foregone conclusion to enter the NHL ranks with Toronto in 2026. Those claims might've proven a bit premature.

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Are the Maple Leafs hiring David Carle?

Carle is undoubtedly one of the hottest coaching prospects in hockey, establishing himself as one of the sport's finest young minds across a trophy-laden spell at collegiate hockey powerhouse Denver.

That has led him to be linked with countless head-coaching gigs over the years. The Maple Leafs are the latest in a string of organizations to be interested in securing the 36-year-old's services. TSN's Elliotte Friedman reported that Toronto contacted Carle shortly after Berube's dismissal, per Sportsnet.

On Sunday, a social media from an account labeled Chris Johnson claimed that Carle to the Maple Leafs was a done deal.

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it almost is. The account was a fake, with a troll attempting to mimic the tweets of NHL insider Chris Johnston.

The real Johnston took to social media to alert fans that rumors of Carle's impending arrival in Toronto were greatly exaggerated.

Shortly thereafter, multiple reports emerged saying that Carle had rejected the Maple Leafs job. 

News of Carle's decision to stay isn't too surprising. He pulled himself out of the Blackhawks' head-coaching race despite an "aggressive pursuit" by Chicago's front office, per Friedman.  There's little evidence that he has any interest in leaving the Pioneers, who he claimed three national championships with — including one this year.

Some thought the allure of the NHL's most famous franchise could bring Carle to the professional game. That doesn't appear to have come to fruition, although at just 36, there's still plenty of time for Carle to make that leap when he so desires.

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