Ex-Maple Leafs coach Lane Lambert gets 100% real about coaching Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner; opens up on Toronto's playoff elimination

Lane Lambert became the head coach of the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. Before that, he spent one season with the Toronto Maple Leafs as associate coach. His main job in Toronto was managing the penalty kill. The Leafs improved from 23rd to 17th in that area under his guidance.

Lambert also played a role in strengthening the team’s defense. This became more important after the Leafs added Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson at the trade deadline. He focused on structure, preparation, and making sure players understood their roles.

In an interview with TSN's Mark Masters, Lambert talked about coaching stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. He didn’t hold back his admiration.

"There's a lot of things that impressed me about him, but I was most impressed with his team-first attitude and the fact that he plays a 200-foot game," Lambert said about Matthews. "I think he unfairly doesn't get considered in certain defensive categories or defensive awards ... I think as we go forward here, he's going to get more and more recognition."

Marner had a career-best year, recording 102 points, including 75 assists. His defensive play and vision stood out. He also made an impact on the former associate coach.

"He wants to be the guy on the ice to get the job done," Lambert said about Marner. "Obviously, we had some tough losses there, but it wasn't for a lack of will."

The Maple Leafs’ playoff run ended with a tough Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers. The Leafs had started strong, winning the first two games, but then lost four of the next five. Game 7 was a 6-1 blowout on home ice. The defeat extended Toronto’s streak to 23 years without reaching the conference final.

"(Goalie - Anthony) Stolarz getting hurt, the overtime-winning goal by (Brad) Marchand in Game 3 to stop us from going up 3-0," Lambert named major factors in the Leafs' playoff exit. "Clearly, we were in a position to win, and just didn't get it done."

Lane Lambert left the Toronto Maple Leafs with "great experience"

Despite the playoff disappointment, Lane Lambert left the Toronto Maple Leafs with good memories. He described the 2024-25 season in Toronto as one of his most enjoyable years in the NHL.

"I thought it was a great experience. Original Six city, it was fun. And the passion the fans have, it was a very good experience," Lambert said on Monday, speaking to TSN's Mark Masters. "I lived downtown, so I was right across the street from [Rogers Centre] ... so just enjoyed my time there."

The Maple Leafs have since hired Derek Lalonde to replace Lambert on the coaching staff. As for Lambert, he’s ready to begin a new chapter with the Kraken, but he clearly valued his season in Toronto.