The Toronto Maple Leafs fired head coach Craig Berube late in the 2025-26 NHL season after two years in charge. [1, 2] Berube was hired in 2024 by then-general manager Brad Treliving before the 2024-25 season. [1, 2] In his first year, Berube led the Leafs to the second round of the playoffs. [1, 2] However, the team struggled in his second season, finishing 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-36-14 record and missing the postseason. [1]
Berube completed his tenure with an overall record of 84-62-18 behind the Maple Leafs bench. [1] He previously won a Stanley Cup as head coach of the St. Louis Blues in 2019. [2] Treliving was fired as general manager during the 2025-26 season, shortly before Berube's dismissal. [2]
John Chayka was recently introduced as the Maple Leafs' new general manager, taking over after Treliving's departure. [1, 2] Chayka said, "Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person. This decision is more reflective of an organizational 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 organization and wish Craig and his family nothing but the best moving forward." [1]
Mats Sundin has been brought in as an advisor to assist Chayka as he shapes the team going ahead. [2] Discussions between Chayka and team captain Auston Matthews did not influence the decision to fire Berube. [2] Matthews has two years remaining on his contract. [2]
The Maple Leafs hold the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, where they may select Penn State star Gavin McKenna. [2]
