Toronto Maple Leafs eye Wisconsin legend Joe Pavelski for HC vacancy

In a shocking turn of events, Wisconsin Badgers legend Joe Pavelski could become an NHL head coach.

Pavelski, 41, is a Plover, WI, native who played for the badgers/3442/" target="_blank">Badgers from 2004-06.

After retiring from the NHL in 2024, the former No. 205 overall pick is now on the Toronto Maple Leafs radar.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Pavelski is described as a “Martin St. Louis-style candidate” for the Maple Leafs.

Keep in mind, Pavelski has coaching experience. It may not be in the NHL, but he’s made quite a name for himself coaching his son, Nate, at the youth level.

The article doesn’t share much more than the fact that Pavelski’s name has been brought up as an interview candidate, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction if the Badgers alumni wants to become a coach in the league he called home for nearly 20 years.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Toronto Maple Leafs eye Wisconsin legend Joe Pavelski for HC vacancy