Maple Leafs Part Ways with Coach Craig Berube
On Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they have dismissed coach Craig Berube after a disappointing season that saw the team finish last in the Atlantic Division.
This decision effectively concludes Berube’s two-year tenure with the Maple Leafs. In his first season, he led the team to an impressive 108 points, but the 2025-2026 campaign was a struggle.
General manager John Chayka praised Berube in a statement, saying, “Craig is a great coach and an even better human being. This decision reflects more about our organization’s transformation and the need for a fresh start.” Chayka had recently been appointed after a suspension and previously resigned as GM of the Coyotes.
He replaces Brad Treliving, who was let go in March.
Last week, Toronto also won the NHL draft lottery, setting them up to potentially select Gavin McKenna or Ivor Stenberg with the first pick in the June 26 NHL Draft in Buffalo.
Under Berube, the Maple Leafs recorded an overall record of 84-62-18, but this season’s performance dropped to 32-36-14, marking a significant decline from the previous year.
Despite starting the season with high hopes, partly due to losing star winger Mitch Marner, the team faced numerous challenges.
The addition of new forwards Matthias Macelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nicolas Roy was intended to fill the gap, but the team’s performance was lackluster. Injuries plagued the roster, and they struggled with offensive consistency.
Even with standout players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, the power play has been particularly problematic. Additionally, defensive weaknesses left the team among the worst in scoring rates.
After a disheartening 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals, Berube noted that the opposing team showed more passion. His comment about asking the players to explain the disconnect hinted at the underlying issues within the locker room.
Matthews, who had previously won the Maurice Richard Trophy three times, only managed 27 goals before a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
The players’ struggles post-injury drew criticism from both media and fans, raising questions about Berube’s leadership. Having been brought in after Treliving dismissed Sheldon Keefe, Berube’s early successes were overshadowed by the team’s inability to maintain momentum.
Berube’s coaching journey began in the Philadelphia Flyers organization after his playing career. He gradually climbed the ranks, spending time in the AHL before taking on roles in the NHL. His notable stint with the St. Louis Blues culminated in a Stanley Cup victory, although subsequent seasons did not yield similar outcomes.
Following Berube’s hiring, Treliving remarked on the coach’s connection with players and the strong bond he built with staff, suggesting there was confidence in his ability to lead the team effectively.
