Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Craig Berube has jaw-dropping comments on Maple Leafs, entire NHL

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 9:23 AM ET

Craig Berube has been the Maple Leafs boss for just this season, and he believes the they have a target on their back.

In Craig Berube's first season as a Toronto Maple Leaf, the supporting cast looks very different than the 2023-24 team. With just two points separating them from the top of the Atlantic Division, it appears the changes in the lineup and behind the bench have worked wonders.

The Stanley Cup-winning head coach has made his mark on the Maple Leafs, and with so much talent, they believe this could finally be their season.

It's not easy, however, and according to Berube, the situation in Toronto is so much more difficult than anywhere else that he believes the rest of the NHL has put a target on the Leafs' back.

"I find the Toronto Maple Leafs have a target on their back every night, it seems like. We don't get an easy game, especially at home here. These teams all come into Toronto, and a lot of the players are from here. They get geared up to play us. It is a tough night every night with the Leafs."

This is similar to what his predecessor expressed after being fired by Toronto last summer. Sheldon Keefe noted the immense differences between coaching in New Jersey than in Toronto, with the lack of a spotlight being a huge difference for him.

That doesn't mean a team can't win in Toronto, but it does mean that opposing teams often play their best against the Maple Leafs. With Berube's latest comments, it's clear how tough it can be on this Leafs team.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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