Joe Pavelski’s name raised eyebrows when it surfaced in Toronto’s coaching search, and now he’s landed somewhere that makes a whole lot of sense: back at Wisconsin.
The University of Wisconsin announced earlier this week that Pavelski is joining the program as Director of Player Development, a move that keeps the former Maple Leafs coaching candidate close to home after he didn’t get the Toronto job. The Leafs’ search stretched on for months before they eventually hired Jim Hiller as the 42nd head coach in franchise history, but Pavelski was one of the surprising names to emerge along the way - and even more surprising when he was listed as a finalist despite never coaching a game of professional hockey.
Pavelski’s only experience behind the bench came with his son’s team in Wisconsin. Now he’s taking on a role that fits his background neatly.
"I'm excited to help out at Wisconsin, a place that's close to my heart. Growing up in the state and being a Badger fan, then being able to spend two years winning a national title for the Badgers, it was such a big stepping-stone in my career. I learned so much in how to train and how to be a professional," Pavelski said via the University of Wisconsin's press release.
"Then when you get to experience the game at the highest levels, to have an opportunity to give back to kids that are all aspiring to get to those same levels, it's very rewarding. You're trying to share as much experience and help some kids along the way to achieve their dreams."
His playing résumé speaks for itself. Pavelski appeared in 1,332 NHL games, putting up 476 goals and 1,068 points between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. Over an 18-year career, he built a reputation as one of the league’s best two-way forwards, and he finished strong with 27 goals and 67 points in 82 games at age 39 during the 2023-24 season.
Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings made it clear why Pavelski is such a valuable addition.
"Joe has an incredible understanding of what it means to be a Badger, having helped lead Wisconsin to a national championship in 2006 and then going on to have an outstanding career at the NHL and international levels," Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings said. "He has been a captain and leader at every level of the game, and those experiences have shaped him into the person and leader he is today.
His hockey knowledge, competitive drive and ability to connect with players will be invaluable to our program. We're excited to welcome Joe back to Wisconsin and have him play an important role in the development of our players, both on and off the ice."
As for what comes next, Pavelski could eventually find his way back to an NHL staff. A future role with the Maple Leafs isn’t out of the question, especially if he keeps moving down the player development path.
Toronto recently hired Patrick O'Sullivan as its Director of Player Development, so that kind of reunion wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. But in a few years, if Pavelski wants to climb the pro hockey ladder, the door could open again.
And with Jim Hiller now in place behind the Leafs bench, it’s not hard to imagine Toronto revisiting the idea someday.
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