Maple Leafs add former Islanders head coach Lane Lambert to Craig Berube’s staff

The Toronto Maple Leafs have appointed Lane Lambert, the former head coach of the New York Islanders, as an associate coach to work alongside Craig Berube.

Lambert, aged 59, achieved a 61-46-20 record during his tenure as the Islanders’ head coach. He moved into the head coaching role after Barry Trotz’s departure following the 2021-22 season and guided the Islanders to the playoffs in the subsequent season, where they were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. However, Lambert was relieved of his duties midway through the 2023-24 season and was succeeded by Patrick Roy.

Originally from Melfort, Saskatchewan, Lambert has previously worked as an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals (2014-15 to 2017-18) and the Nashville Predators (2011-12 to 2013-14). He played a part in Washington’s Stanley Cup triumph in 2018.

Lambert’s coaching experience extends to the American Hockey League and Western Hockey League, including a four-year term as head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL from 2007-08 to 2010-11.

During his playing career, Lambert amassed 124 points (58 goals, 66 assists) and 521 penalty minutes across 283 games playing for Detroit, Quebec, and the New York Rangers.

In other coaching news, the Maple Leafs revealed that assistant coach Dean Chynoweth will not be returning to the team after three seasons.

Berube was introduced as the head coach of the Maple Leafs on May 17, taking over from the dismissed Sheldon Keefe.