The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the hiring of Craig Berube as their new head coach after parting ways with Sheldon Keefe. Berube, who was let go by the St. Louis Blues in December, is best known for his Stanley Cup win with the Blues in 2019. Despite struggling with the Blues in subsequent seasons, Berube’s championship experience made him a top candidate for the Leafs’ coaching vacancy. The decision came after GM Brad Treliving interviewed other candidates such as Gerard Gallant and Todd McLellan. Berube, who played for the Maple Leafs in the early 90s, brings a tough, no-nonsense coaching style to the team.
Keefe, who had signed a contract extension in August 2023, will now have the opportunity to explore other coaching opportunities after his tenure with the Leafs ended following a first-round playoff exit. Berube’s hiring leaves several coaching vacancies around the NHL, including with the San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, New Jersey Devils, and Winnipeg Jets. The Los Angeles Kings have also yet to decide on whether to keep interim coach Jim Hiller or seek a new head coach. The potential for more coaching openings remains, with speculation surrounding the future of coaches such as Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins and Rod Brind’Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Berube’s coaching style is rooted in his no-nonsense approach developed during his playing career, where he accrued over 3,000 penalty minutes across 1,054 games. His reputation for demanding accountability is seen as a response to what some believed was lacking in Keefe’s coaching style. Berube’s experience on the ice and behind the bench, along with his championship-winning pedigree, make him a valuable asset for the Maple Leafs as they look to make a deeper playoff run in the upcoming seasons. The timing of his hiring in the midst of a tumultuous period for NHL bench bosses highlights the importance of finding the right fit for a team’s coaching staff.
With the Toronto media market already familiar with Berube from his playing days and his previous coaching stints, the expectations will be high for the new head coach to lead the Maple Leafs to success. Berube’s track record with the Blues, despite recent struggles, showcases his ability to lead a team to the ultimate prize in hockey. As one of the last remaining coaching vacancies in the NHL is filled, the focus now shifts to how the new coaching hires will impact their respective teams going forward. The pressure to succeed in a competitive league like the NHL can be intense, but Berube’s experience and leadership qualities position him well to navigate the challenges that lie ahead with the Maple Leafs.
In a league where success is measured by playoff performance and championships, hiring a coach with a Stanley Cup ring like Berube can provide a sense of confidence and stability for a team looking to make its mark. The Maple Leafs’ decision to bring in Berube reflects their commitment to making the necessary changes to achieve their goals and compete at the highest level. As the NHL offseason progresses and teams finalize their coaching staffs, the impact of these decisions on the upcoming season will be closely watched by fans, players, and front office personnel alike. The new era of coaching in the NHL is underway, and the Maple Leafs are hoping that Berube’s leadership will guide them to success on the ice.
