The Toronto Maple Leafs are making some big changes within their organization. Now, a Maple Leafs insider has made a stunning suggestion for who the team should hire as its next head coach: Jussi Ahokas.
The Maple Leafs had a very disappointing 2025–2026 campaign. They finished 28th in the entire league, far from a playoff spot.
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The hiring of John Chayka
Looking to redeem themselves next season, the Maple Leafs have already made major changes within the organization. They replaced general manager Brad Treliving with the controversial John Chayka. On May 13, they relieved head coach Craig Berube of his duties.
Speculation about who the team should hire as its next head coach has already begun. Now, Leafs Nation writer Michael Mazzei is suggesting that the Maple Leafs should hire Jussi Ahokas as their next bench boss.
Jussi Ahokas suggested as new coach
Ahokas, 45, has previously coached Finland women’s national ice hockey team. And with Finland’s U18 and U20 national teams, with whom he won gold at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship. And the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship. He has also been named Coach of the Year in the Finnish Liiga. Jussi Ahokas currently coaches the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL. In 2025, Ahokas was named OHL Coach of the Year. And in 2026, he led the Rangers to an OHL championship.
What makes him stand out
In a piece for Leafs Nation, Michael Mazzei wrote that Ahokas’ style of hockey would suit the Maple Leafs very well.
“What makes him stand out as a coaching candidate is his innovative style of positionless hockey through high-IQ puck management, controlled breakouts, and a five-man attack. The Rangers will often regroup or circle back in the defensive zone to ensure they have a five-man numerical advantage before crossing the blue line. Ahokas is a modern coach who is tactical, calm, and analytical. He works well with integrating young, high-skilled players into the lineup without killing their creativity,” Mazzei writes.
It would certainly be a bold move by the Maple Leafs to hire Ahokas instead of a more experienced coach who already has NHL experience.
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