Toronto Maple Leafs Part Ways with Head Coach Craig Berube
In a significant shift within the organization, the Toronto Maple Leafs have parted ways with head coach Craig Berube, as officially announced on Wednesday. General Manager John Chayka expressed his appreciation for Berube, stating:
“Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person. This decision reflects a broader organizational change and the desire for a new beginning rather than an assessment of Craig’s performance. We are thankful for his dedication, leadership, and professionalism throughout his tenure here and wish him and his family the very best in the future.”
Future Coaching Decisions
The Maple Leafs are now faced with the task of selecting a new head coach, who will also have the authority to determine the fate of the remaining coaching staff, including assistants Derek Lalonde, Mike Van Ryn, and Steve Sullivan, all of whom served under Berube.
Berube’s Tenure and Team Performance
Berube’s time with the Maple Leafs was relatively brief, spanning two seasons since his appointment by then-GM Brad Treliving in May 2024. He successfully led the team to the playoffs in his inaugural year, achieving a second-round appearance — a feat not accomplished by the Leafs since the 2012-13 season. However, the following season (2025-26) proved challenging for the team, which finished with a lackluster 32-36-14 record, ultimately failing to qualify for the postseason.
Organizational Changes
The changes come on the heels of Treliving’s firing in late March by CEO Keith Pelley, who subsequently appointed Chayka to lead the organization. Notably, Mats Sundin, the former Leafs star, has also joined the team as a senior adviser. Chayka is expected to address the media later today regarding these changes and the future direction of the team.
