Craig Berube's self-described mistake ends his Maple Leafs tenure

Craig Berube oversaw a 32-36-14 record in 2025-26 before his May 13 firing, following a 52-26-4 division title the prior year.

Berube’s hiring and early success

The Maple Leafs hired Berube on May 17, 2024, replacing Sheldon Keefe after the 2023-24 season. Berube brought a 2019 Stanley Cup from his Blues tenure and a reputation for enforcing structure. The team responded with 108 points and first place in the Atlantic Division during 2024-25. Toronto defeated Ottawa in six games before falling to Florida in seven in round two.

The second-season decline

Berube’s second year produced only 78 points and an eighth-place finish in the Atlantic, missing the playoffs entirely. The organization replaced general manager Brad Treliving with John Chayka during the offseason overhaul. Berube later stated he tried to appease players too much instead of enforcing his preferred playoff style from the start.

Keith Pelley had publicly supported involving the coach in roster decisions before the downturn. The bottom-line result overrode that backing after the missed postseason.

Accountability and next steps

Berube took responsibility in post-firing comments, noting he would avoid the same appeasement approach if given another chance. The Leafs named Jim Hiller, 57, as replacement on June 17, 2026. Hiller inherits expectations for a harder line with the core group ahead of 2026-27.

Berube’s tenure lasted exactly two seasons and produced one division title alongside one missed playoff appearance.