Full Breakdown
Toronto Maple Leafs Fire Marc Savard, Hire Steve Sullivan as Assistant Coach
12/26/2025, 10:13:15 PM
Coaching Changes Amid Struggles
The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant change to their coaching staff, firing assistant coach Marc Savard on December 22, 2025, following a disappointing start to the season. Under Savard's guidance, the team's power play ranked last in the NHL, converting only 13 percent of opportunities. In response to this performance, the Maple Leafs promoted Steve Sullivan from their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, to fill the vacancy left by Savard.
Profile of Steve Sullivan
Steve Sullivan, a former NHL player with 1,011 games played, brings extensive experience to his new role. He has a notable history in the league, having scored 290 goals and provided 457 assists throughout his career, with 221 of those points coming on the power play. Sullivan joined the Marlies as an assistant coach in August 2024 and previously held a position as assistant general manager with the Arizona Coyotes before his dismissal in February 2021. His familiarity with the Maple Leafs, having played four seasons with the team, positions him as a strategic choice to revitalize the power play unit.
Official Statements & Responses
Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving expressed confidence in head coach Craig Berube and the coaching staff, stating, “We’ve got to continue to make our team better... But I think we’ve got a real good coach.” Treliving acknowledged the need for improvement and indicated that adjustments would be made to enhance the team's performance. Following Sullivan's promotion, the coaching staff will manage power play responsibilities collectively while Sullivan acclimates to his new position.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the internal promotion of Sullivan, some analysts question whether this change will yield immediate results. The Marlies, under Sullivan's guidance, currently sit 10th out of 15 teams in the AHL's Eastern Conference for power play percentage, raising concerns about his ability to improve the Maple Leafs' struggling unit. Critics argue that while Sullivan's experience is valuable, the team's broader issues may require more extensive changes beyond coaching adjustments.
What's Next for the Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are set to resume their schedule against the Ottawa Senators, where the performance of the power play will be closely scrutinized. The team aims to turn around its fortunes as the season progresses, with Sullivan's impact on the coaching staff being a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve got to continue to make our team better,” — Brad Treliving, General Manager, Toronto Maple Leafs
- “Sullivan’s promotion from the Marlies fills the Savard vacancy.” — Darren Dreger, Hockey Insider
- “With the team still sitting near the bottom of the standings, this move might not move the needle immediately unless Sullivan can provide a spark to the special teams.” — Hockey Analyst
The Maple Leafs' decision to promote Steve Sullivan reflects their commitment to improving performance as they navigate a challenging season.
