Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Craig Berube Loses Patience Over Maple Leafs' Top Problem

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 10:58 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are still searching for answers on their top line, and head coach Craig Berube is growing visibly frustrated.

Seven games into the season, the Leafs sit at 3–3–1, and their top unit — centered by Auston Matthews and with Matthew Knies locked into the left-wing spot — remains a major concern.

Following Tuesday’s 5–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, Berube sounded off on poor execution and the lack of sustained offensive zone pressure.

“I think early on in the season, I thought, you know, they were getting their opportunities and looking pretty good,” Berube said. “Now, it’s like, it’s obviously not good enough. I don’t feel like they have any sustained pressure in the offensive zone at all. It’s one and done, then they’re out.”

️ | Craig Berube | Post Game vs. New Jersey Devils | Oct 21 pic.twitter.com/JECXCGJJV7
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 22, 2025

The Leafs have rotated through multiple right-wing options to flank Matthews and Knies, including Matias Maccelli, rookie Easton Cowan and Max Domi. None has solidified the role seven games into the season.

Berube acknowledged the search for a permanent fit has dragged on and admitted frustration over it.

“It could be, but I’m getting tired of it, to be honest with you,” Berube said.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube during a postgame media conference.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

With William Nylander used in bump-up shifts throughout the first seven games, Berube is now weighing whether to make the “nuclear” move of stacking his top line full-time, as labeled by Sportsnet's Luke Fox.

Berube's concern remains finding offensive balance throughout the lineup, but the urgency for results is growing. It's fair to at least consider moving Nylander up a line.

“When you want to create offensive zone time, you got to put pucks in with a purpose,” Berube said. “You got to go and get it, be physical, be heavy on your sticks. You got to win those battles to get those pucks back.

“I mean, I always want a little balance, but it’s definitely something that I’m thinking about.”

Toronto has dropped four of its last six games. The Leafs open a back-to-back against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday.

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

More must-reads: