The Toronto Maple Leafs officially moved on from head coach Craig Berube after a disappointing season that saw the franchise miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
With major changes already underway under new management, former Leafs enforcer Jay Rosehill believes the move signals far more than just a coaching change; it could mark the beginning of a completely new era in Toronto.
Ex-Leafs Enforcer Reacts to Craig Berube’s Firing
The coaching change was announced by new general manager John Chayka, who took over following the March firing of former GM Brad Treliving.
After a strong first season under Craig Berube that saw the Leafs post 108 points, the team regressed badly this year, finishing 32-36-14 at the bottom of the Atlantic Division in a collapse that ultimately led to Berube’s firing.
Speaking about the move, Rosehill admitted he understood why the organization made the decision. “I get it. I’m not heartbroken or anything. I really wish that it would have gone differently in Toronto,” Rosehill said. He also pointed to years of playoff disappointment and said the team continued to struggle against heavier, more physical opponents.
Rosehill made it a point to note that Berube was originally brought in to change the team’s identity by demanding more accountability and structure, and while there were signs of progress last season, this year ultimately spiralled into a disaster.
“It seems and feels more and more, with the general manager coming in and getting the first overall pick, that this is like a new era of Toronto Maple Leafs hockey. I think that was just kind of put an exclamation point on it here with the firing of Berube. I wish it went differently, but I get it,” he added.
The season was filled with defensive breakdowns, as the Leafs finished with the NHL’s second-worst goals-against numbers while also struggling badly on the power play. The team often looked disconnected on the ice, leading to growing speculation that Berube’s message was no longer resonating with the roster.
Still, Chayka described the move as more of a “fresh start” for the organization rather than a criticism of Berube’s coaching ability.
Berube leaves Toronto with an 84-62-18 record across two seasons after joining the club in 2024. The former St. Louis Blues coach is still expected to draw interest from other NHL teams after leading the Blues to a Stanley Cup championship in 2019.
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Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, fresh off winning the NHL Draft Lottery, will now begin their search for a new head coach ahead of selecting either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg at the draft. Potential head coaching candidates are expected to include former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, current Oilers target Bruce Cassidy, and rookie candidate Manny Malhotra, head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks.
