Toronto Maple Leafs Hire Lane Lambert as Associate Coach

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a strategic move in their coaching staff by bringing on Lane Lambert, the former head coach of the New York Islanders, to serve as an associate coach under Craig Berube.

Lambert, a seasoned coach with experience at various levels of hockey, achieved a 61-46-20 record during his tenure with the Islanders. He took over as head coach after Barry Trotz’s departure and guided the team to the playoffs in the subsequent season, eventually bowing out to Carolina in the first round.

Having previously worked as an assistant coach with successful stints at the Washington Capitals and the Nashville Predators, Lambert brings a wealth of knowledge to the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff, including a Stanley Cup victory with Washington in 2018.

Before making a mark in the NHL, Lambert coached in the American Hockey League and the Western Hockey League, notably spending four seasons as the head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals.

As a former NHL player himself, Lambert adds a unique perspective to his coaching role, having played for teams like Detroit, the Quebec Nordiques, and the New York Rangers during his playing career.

The Maple Leafs also announced that Dean Chynoweth will not be returning as an assistant coach after his three-season tenure with the club.

Berube, who was named as the Maple Leafs’ head coach after the departure of Sheldon Keefe, continues to make strategic choices to strengthen the team’s coaching lineup.

This information was originally reported by The Canadian Press on June 5, 2024.