Breaking News: Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach

The Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to fire head coach Craig Berube. After Toronto hired John Chayka as the general manager, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley said the GM would decide whether to make any changes to the head coach. Although Pelley liked Berube, he was letting his GM make the call.

Chayka recently met with Berube to discuss where the team is headed. After some time contemplating the move, the Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that Toronto is parting ways with Berube.

Toronto hired Berube in 2024 after he was fired by the St. Louis Blues. He helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019, which was his first year on the job, after being hired mid-season. His Stanley Cup-winning formula never materialized here in Toronto.

In Berube’s first year with the Maple Leafs, he led the team to an Atlantic Division title with a record of 52-26-4. However, the Maple Leafs lost in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Florida Panthers. A loss that still stings for many in Leafs Nation.

This past season, the Maple Leafs struggled and just couldn’t stay healthy. Toronto went 32-26-14 and missed the playoffs, which was a disappointing year. They finished as the fifth-worst team in the NHL. After the disappointing season, MLSE knew change was needed.

Maple Leafs Seeking a Fresh Start

Toronto is in the midst of a front office turnover, as Chayka was hired as general manager. He replaces Brad Treliving, who made some questionable trades during his tenure. Maple Leafs legend, Mats Sundin, was also hired to oversee Toronto’s front office.

After the hiring of Chayka, the GM said he would take his time to meet with Berube and discuss the team’s future. On Wednesday, the Maple Leafs announced the decision to fire Berube. In the press release, Chyka cited the need for a fresh start.

“Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person,” said Chayka. “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 (we) wish Craig and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”

In the press release, the Maple Leafs revealed that the next head coach will determine their own coaching staff. So, no decisions have been made on the current assistant coaches and their futures in Toronto.