Keith Pelley says Craig Berube’s fate lies in hands of Maple Leafs’ next GM

Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) CEO Keith Pelley says that the fate of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube lies in the hands of whoever is chosen as the team’s next general manager.

“ Craig Berube is the head coach, and that is determined by the general manager or the president of hockey or the head of hockey operations. That’s not decided by myself,” he said during Tuesday’s media availability. “ His role of the hockey club doesn’t change today, other than the fact is that he will work closer with Brandon Pridham and Ryan Hardy.  Once we have a new head in hockey in place,  if that recommendation is around Craig Berube at that particular time, we will listen. Something as big as Craig Berube would go all the way to ownership.”

This comes in the wake of the Leafs’ decision to fire GM Brad Treliving on Monday, mere hours before they were set to take on the Anaheim Ducks. The focus before that game was initially on exacting revenge for Auston Matthews suffering a season-ending injury in the previous matchup, but it quickly pivoted to the long-term future of the organization after the first of what is expected to be many moves this summer.

Pelley made sure to clarify in his opening statements that he didn’t believe the Maple Leafs’ circumstances fell entirely on Treliving.

“I don’t believe that the current state of the team rests entirely on Brad’s shoulders. But after analysis throughout the entire year along with conversations with key personnel and hockey observers, I made the decision supported by ownership that the team must chart a new course under different leadership to achieve our ultimate championship goal.”

Berube’s name quickly entered the crosshairs after Treliving’s dismissal, as many presumed the bench boss would also be shown a pink slip for his role in the Leafs’ failures this season. Based on Pelley’s comments, you can expect to see Berube finish out the regular season at minimum, though it remains unclear at the time of filing whether he will be back behind the bench come opening night of the 2026-27 campaign.

“Yeah, it’s difficult. It’s still difficult right now for me, you know, but that’s the business and that’s what happens. We didn’t live up to expectations,” Berube said to reporters after Monday’s game. “We like a lot. We were close last year. We didn’t succeed, but we were right there. That’s a tough question to be honest with you. I mean, he gave me an opportunity here and I feel like we let him down this year.”

The Leafs are in the midst of their California road trip and are set to take on the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, with puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. EST.

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