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Craig Berube Breaks Silence Before Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner, John Tavares Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Spencer Garrett Ostrow | Last updated May 20, 2025 12:36 PM ET

Craig Berube recently wrapped up his first season as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. While some might view reaching the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Year 1 as an accomplishment, that’s not how Maple Leafs fans see it.

Toronto has made it past the first round only twice since 2004, and this core group—Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares—has consistently fallen short when the lights are brightest.

Now, with Marner and Tavares set to be free agents this offseason, this would be the perfect time to make some significant changes to the roster.

On Tuesday, two days after Toronto's 6-1 Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers on Sunday night, Berube spoke to the media.

He was asked if he wants the Leafs to resign Marner and Tavares, and didn't hesitate in his answer.

"100%," Berube said.

Craig Berube didn't have to think long about this one. pic.twitter.com/x9tJG1CfMz
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 20, 2025

Marner has spent his entire career with the Maple Leafs since being selected No. 4 overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. Over that span, he’s recorded 221 goals, 520 assists, and 741 points.

Tavares, meanwhile, joined the Leafs as a free agent from the New York Islanders ahead of the 2018–19 season. He served as Toronto’s captain from 2019–20 through 2023–24 before handing the "C" to Matthews this past season. In his time with the Leafs, Tavares has tallied 222 goals, 271 assists, and 493 points.

A decision regarding their futures is expected before NHL free agency opens on July 1 at 12 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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