CONGRATULATIONS DARRYL SITTLER: APPOINTED NEW SENIOR COACH OF THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS….
Toronto, ON — June 17, 2025
In a move that has electrified the hockey world and brought tears to the eyes of long-time fans, Toronto Maple Leafs legend Darryl Sittler has officially been appointed the new Senior Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The announcement was made in an emotional press conference at Scotiabank Arena, where Leafs executives, players, alumni, and fans gathered to celebrate the return of a man who symbolizes the very essence of Toronto hockey.
Darryl Sittler’s new position as Senior Coach is not only a historic appointment — it is a deeply symbolic return to greatness, a reconnection between the club’s iconic past and its bold vision for the future. With this monumental step, the Leafs are making it clear: they are ready to pursue greatness again, and they want one of their greatest leaders to guide them there.
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A Storied Career Comes Full Circle
Few names in NHL history resonate with as much reverence as Darryl Sittler. Born in Kitchener, Ontario, and drafted by the Leafs in 1970, Sittler quickly ascended to legendary status. He wore the Maple Leaf on his chest with pride for over a decade, playing 844 games for the franchise, scoring 389 goals, and registering 527 assists.
He is best known for one of the most jaw-dropping feats in hockey history — his 10-point game on February 7, 1976, a record that remains untouched to this day. That night, Sittler not only made history, but he also cemented himself as the face of the franchise and an immortal in the hearts of fans.
His leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to the team turned him into a hero, and now, nearly four decades later, the Leafs have called on him once again — this time, to lead from the bench.
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A Historic Appointment
The appointment of Darryl Sittler as Senior Coach is a powerful and calculated decision by Leafs President Brendan Shanahan and General Manager Brad Treliving. Rather than hiring another young mind or a flashy outsider, the Leafs have turned to a man who knows what it means to bleed blue and white.
Sittler’s duties as Senior Coach will include:
Providing strategic insight and mentorship to the coaching team and players.
Serving as a voice of calm and experience during high-pressure games.
Helping cultivate a winning culture rooted in tradition and resilience.
Guiding younger players through the emotional and mental toll of NHL stardom.
Building unity between the locker room, the front office, and the fan base.
In the press conference, Sittler stood tall at the podium, overwhelmed with emotion but resolute in purpose.
> “Toronto is more than a team to me — it’s family. It’s community. It’s where I became a man. To return now as Senior Coach is an honor beyond words. I am here to serve, to lead, and to help bring the Stanley Cup back to this great city.”
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Fanbase Erupts in Joy
The reaction to Sittler’s appointment has been nothing short of euphoric. Maple Leaf Square was filled with thousands of jubilant fans waving flags, wearing throwback Sittler jerseys, and chanting his name. Social media lit up with hashtags like #SittlerReturns, #LeafsLegendBack, and #CongratsCaptain trending within minutes.
Lifelong fans shared stories of watching Sittler play as children, while younger supporters looked forward to learning about Leafs history through a living icon. The outpouring of love and admiration speaks to Sittler’s unmatched place in the heart of Toronto sports.
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Leadership by Example
Sittler’s appointment is more than just a feel-good moment; it is a strategic move backed by purpose. As the Leafs aim to end their decades-long championship drought, the front office recognizes the need for more than just analytics and talent — they need heart, guidance, and championship DNA.
Craig Berube, the current Head Coach, welcomed Sittler with open arms, calling him a “pillar of what it means to lead.”
> “Having Darryl next to me on the bench, working with the guys in the locker room — it’s a gift. He knows what it takes. He knows how to lead. And he understands Toronto like nobody else.”
Berube also hinted that Sittler will have a particularly influential role in developing the team’s forwards, including stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and newly signed powerhouse Leon Draisaitl.
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Former Players and Legends Celebrate
Tributes poured in from across the hockey world following the announcement.
Wayne Gretzky posted:
> “Darryl was one of the toughest competitors I ever saw. Congratulations to Toronto for bringing back a true leader. This is what hockey is all about.”
Mats Sundin, another Leafs captain and legend, said:
> “Darryl paved the way for all of us who came after. His return is a blessing for the Leafs.”
Even rivals offered congratulations. Zdeno Chára, a former Bruins captain, tweeted:
> “Every team needs someone who can bridge history with purpose. Big move by the Leafs. Respect.”
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The Leafs’ New Era
This off-season has already been one for the ages. The Leafs shocked the hockey world by signing Nikita Kucherov and Leon Draisaitl, traded strategically to free up cap space, and brought back fan-favorite Zack Hyman. Now, with Darryl Sittler taking a lead role in the coaching structure, Toronto’s transformation feels complete.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving summarized the moment perfectly:
> “We’re building a legacy team. Not just for this year, but for the future. Bringing Darryl in was a no-brainer. He’s our past, our present, and now, part of our future.”
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A Message to the Players
In a closed-door meeting with the team after the press conference, Sittler reportedly spoke directly from the heart. According to sources inside the room, he told the players:
> “You wear more than a jersey when you play for Toronto. You wear history. You wear hope. You carry a city that loves this game more than anything. Be proud of it. Respect it. And give everything you’ve got.”
Players were reportedly moved, some to tears. The gravity of having a man of Sittler’s stature join them was not lost on anyone.
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Looking Ahead
Darryl Sittler’s appointment is not just a hockey decision. It is a spiritual and emotional turning point for the Maple Leafs franchise. For years, the Leafs have flirted with greatness, only to fall short in crucial moments. With Sittler now providing wisdom and direction from behind the bench, the feeling among players, staff, and fans is different.
This is no longer just about chasing a title. It’s about restoring an identity, reviving a legacy, and honoring the men who laid the foundation — while finally carving a new chapter of glory.
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Final Thoughts
As the city of Toronto basks in the warmth of this historic appointment, there’s one message ringing out clearly across every radio, TV, and street corner:
Congratulations, Darryl Sittler. Welcome home.
In a world where sports often seem like business, this moment is pure heart. And for Toronto, that heart beats strong again.
Go Leafs Go.
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