In a significant coaching shuffle, the Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the appointment of Steve Sullivan as their new assistant coach. This decision comes directly on the heels of the dismissal of former assistant coach Marc Savard, following the team's disappointing start to the NHL playoffs.
A Swift Replacement Amidst Speculation
The Maple Leafs made the official announcement on December 26, 2025, capitalising on the NHL's holiday break when most games are temporarily paused. This move follows the discharge of Marc Savard on December 22, a decision linked to the team's disastrous playoff performance.
Savard's abrupt exit fuelled intense speculation about the job security of head coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving. However, the club has moved quickly to quell such rumours, clarifying that no further changes to the management or coaching leadership are planned at this time.
Steve Sullivan: A Familiar Face Returns
Steve Sullivan joins the NHL club from the AHL's Toronto Marlies, where he had been serving as an assistant coach since August 2024. His hockey credentials are impressive, boasting a playing career of 1,011 NHL games, which included parts of four seasons with the Maple Leafs themselves.
Beyond his on-ice experience, Sullivan brings front-office knowledge, having previously worked with the Arizona Coyotes organization. He even held the position of assistant general manager there before his departure in February 2021. His deep understanding of the game from multiple perspectives is seen as a major asset for the struggling team.
The Primary Mission: Reviving a Dormant Power Play
The core reason behind this strategic hire is glaringly clear. The Maple Leafs are languishing at the absolute bottom of the NHL in power-play efficiency, converting a meagre 13.3 percent of their opportunities. This critical shortfall was a primary responsibility of the departed Marc Savard.
Sullivan will now join the coaching committee led by Craig Berube and Derek Lalonde, with a specific focus on overhauling this vital aspect of the game. As reported by The Leafs Nation, Sullivan is expected to have significant input as the team desperately seeks to turn its season around.
His first test could come swiftly. The Maple Leafs are scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, followed by a challenging back-to-back series against the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings on the 27th. They will then conclude the year against the New Jersey Devils on December 30, 2025. All eyes will be on whether Sullivan's influence can spark an immediate improvement in the team's special teams' performance.
