The Toronto Maple Leafs fired head coach Craig Berube on Wednesday after two seasons, marking another significant change for the franchise. Berube guided the team to a 108-point campaign in his first season in 2024-25, including a first-place finish in the Atlantic Division and a second-round playoff appearance against the Florida Panthers. However, the Leafs struggled dramatically this past season, finishing last in the Atlantic Division and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.
The 2025-26 season saw Toronto's performance collapse, dropping from 108 points to 78 points—the team's largest year-over-year points decline. Berube's overall record with the Leafs was 84-62-18, but this season his record stood at 32-36-14.
New general manager John Chayka, who was hired earlier this month, characterised the decision as organisational rather than a direct criticism of Berube's coaching. "Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person," Chayka said in a statement. "This decision is more reflective of an organisational shift and an opportunity for a fresh start than it is an evaluation of Craig. We are grateful for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the Maple Leafs organisation and wish Craig and his family nothing but the best moving forward".
Chayka replaced Brad Treliving, who was let go in March following the playoff miss. The front office restructuring also includes senior executive adviser Mats Sundin, hired earlier this month.
Chayka indicated there is no specific timeline for hiring a replacement head coach, stating the organisation will conduct a thorough process to find the right candidate. The Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery and will select first in June.
The firing has drawn mixed reactions from fans, with some viewing it as a necessary reset while others question whether coaching changes alone can address the franchise's ongoing struggles.
