The Toronto Maple Leafs are officially entering a new era after firing head coach Craig Berube following one of the franchise’s most disappointing seasons in recent memory.
While the organization has set its sights on the future under new leadership, a young forward shared his honest reaction to Berube’s firing, offering insight into the impact the veteran coach had on players despite Toronto’s difficult year.
Easton Cowan Reacts to Toronto Maple Leafs Firing Craig Berube
The move comes after Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division with a 32-36-14 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
The player who addressed the coaching change was Easton Cowan, who made his NHL debut this season and is currently playing for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL playoffs. He appeared in 66 games for the Leafs, recording 11 goals and 29 points.
Reflecting on Berube’s impact, Cowan said, “Obviously we had a tough year. He taught me a lot, how to simplify the game. (Looking ahead) You must gain your coach’s trust. I had to do that in London, back to minor hockey. I’ll just keep playing my game, this (next Marlies series), leading to summer.”
Cowan’s comments showed the frustration from Toronto’s tough season while also reflecting the respect younger players still had for Berube.
In a statement released by John Chayka, the Leafs GM noted, “Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person. This decision is more reflective of an organizational shift and an opportunity for a fresh start than it is an evaluation of Craig.”
Chayka and Sundin reportedly want a coach who is perfectly “aligned” with the development of their new projected franchise cornerstone, Gavin McKenna.
Berube’s tenure in Toronto ultimately became a story of two very different seasons. In 2024-25, he guided the Leafs to a division title and a first-round playoff win over the Ottawa Senators before losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games.
This season, however, things unraveled quickly following the departure of Mitch Marner and ongoing defensive struggles that left the team searching for consistency.
Berube still has two years remaining on his contract, reportedly worth $4.5 million annually, meaning Toronto could still owe him a sizable amount unless he lands another coaching job soon.
Berube’s tenure ends with a mere 164 games behind the bench, in addition to 13 in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Those numbers reflect the shortest full-time head coach tenure in Toronto since Paul Maurice’s stint.
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For now, assistants Mike Van Ryn, Derek Lalonde, and Steve Sullivan remain on staff, though Chayka has reportedly promised the next head coach full authority over the coaching staff.
It now remains to be seen who the Maple Leafs will target as the next coach to lead the franchise forward.
