The Toronto Maple Leafs have parted ways with head coach Craig Berube, just 10 days after the hiring of new general manager John Chayka and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin.[1] Chayka announced the decision on May 13, 2026, framing it as part of a broader “fresh start” rather than a direct indictment of Berube’s coaching.[2] Berube, who took over ahead of the 2024-25 season, leaves with a regular-season record of 84-62-18 and a .567 points percentage.
This move caps a tumultuous period for the franchise, including the March 30 firing of former GM Brad Treliving, as detailed in recent analysis on the front office rebuild. Chayka praised Berube as “a tremendous coach and an even better person,” emphasizing gratitude for his leadership while signaling deeper organizational shifts.[1]
Berube’s arrival and early promise
Craig Berube joined the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2024, replacing Sheldon Keefe after years of playoff disappointments. Known for his gritty, accountable style—often called “Berube Hockey”—he brought success from his Stanley Cup-winning days with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.[1] As explored in coverage of his coaching system, Berube emphasized simple breakouts, physical play, and direct pressure.
In his first training camp, Berube set a firm tone. “When players aren’t working and they’re not competing, they’re going to have an issue,” he said.[2] This resonated initially, transforming a team criticized for inconsistency.
The Leafs responded with structure and defense. They reduced goals allowed significantly from the prior year under Keefe.
Berube’s impact was immediate and tangible. Players bought into the grinding approach.
Success in the 2024-25 season
The 2024-25 campaign marked a high point under Berube. Toronto won the Atlantic Division with 108 points (52-26-4 record), their first title since 2021-22.[1] They allowed 32 fewer goals than the previous season, ranking among the league’s best defensively.
In the playoffs, the Leafs dispatched the Ottawa Senators in six games in the first round. Their physical, shot-blocking style frustrated opponents.
The second round against the eventual champion Florida Panthers went to seven games. Toronto pushed hard but fell short, with strong goaltending from Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll (fourth-best team save percentage).
Berube’s playoffs record stood at 7-6 overall. Fans and media hailed the progress.
This season validated the hire. It seemed Berube had cracked the code for Toronto’s talented core.
The 2025-26 downfall
Regression hit hard in 2025-26. The Leafs finished 32-36-14 for 78 points, last in the Atlantic, 15th in the East, and missing playoffs for the first time since 2016-17.[1] They allowed 3.60 goals per game (31st) and faced the most shots against league-wide.
Early struggles included five straight losses in November. The power play faltered, leading to assistant Marc Savard’s firing.
Post-Olympic break, an eight-game skid echoed dark times. Injuries to Auston Matthews (MCL/quad, out from March 12), Chris Tanev, and Stolarz hurt, but issues predated them.
Defensive lapses and “vanilla” effort drew ire. Former GM Treliving noted, “Craig didn’t become a bad coach overnight… there is that disconnect.”[2]
Lineup choices, like extended scratches for prospects, sparked debate. The grind-it-out style mismatched a slower roster without Mitch Marner at full strength.
Chayka’s new era and the decision
John Chayka, hired May 3 alongside Mats Sundin, acted swiftly. “This is a bigger-picture decision… there’s some things we need to change,” he said after meeting staff from “chefs to players.”[1]
No player input influenced the firing, per Chayka. He plans a wide coaching search: “We’ll take our time and try to get it right.”
The new coach will shape the staff. Chayka eyes alignment with the organization’s vision.
This follows Treliving’s exit amid culture concerns. Sundin’s advisory role adds Leafs lore.
Toronto holds a high draft pick after the lottery win. Offseason meetings, like with captain Matthews, loom.
Top candidates to replace Berube
Potential hires blend experience and familiarity. Here’s a look at leading names:
- Bruce Cassidy: 60, ex-Vegas (Cup 2023). Never missed playoffs in nine NHL seasons; knows Leafs core.[3]
- Patrick Roy: Hall of Famer, recent Islanders coach. Strong QMJHL success.
- Manny Malhotra: AHL Calder Cup winner; ex-Leafs assistant, Mississauga native.
- Derek Lalonde: Current Leafs assistant; Tampa Cup staffs.
- Jay Woodcroft: Toronto native, ex-Oilers coach with deep runs.
Others include Todd Nelson, Dean Evason, David Carle, Jay Leach. Internal promotion possible.
Chayka’s data-driven background (ex-Coyotes GM) may favor analytics-savvy picks.
The search prioritizes fit for stars like Matthews and Nylander.
Looking ahead for the Maple Leafs
The firing signals urgency after back-to-back GM changes. With a top draft pick and cap space, Chayka has tools to rebuild.[1]
Berube exits respectfully, his Cup pedigree intact. Toronto thanks him for the 2024-25 push.
A new coach could unlock the core’s potential. Playoff drought ends now, or pressure mounts.
Fans await Chayka’s splash. This reset aims for contention—what it means for the Cup chase hinges on the hire.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.