The Toronto Maple Leafs are slipping at a moment when they were expected to push forward. A season that opened with a sliver of optimism has shifted into uncertainty, and Craig Berube now finds himself navigating his most difficult stretch behind the Toronto bench.
Uneven play and disruptive injuries have created a sense of tension around the team.
This unease has pushed the conversation beyond the on-ice issues and toward the coaching staff. As the performances wobble and frustration grows, the market has turned its attention to Berube’s ability to stabilize the group, setting the stage for a smooth transition into the renewed chatter about possible replacements.
Is Pete DeBoer’s Name Already in the Mix for the Maple Leafs?
Toronto’s recent struggles have given rise to a familiar storyline, and Pete DeBoer’s name is quietly circulating again. The 662-win head coach has a reputation for stabilizing new teams quickly, which makes him an obvious figure to surface when a roster with high expectations begins to slide.
With the Maple Leafs drifting toward the lower half of the Eastern Conference, questions about whether Berube’s message is connecting have started to grow louder.
Injuries to Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz added more strain to a lineup already fighting inconsistency. Defensive lapses continue to cost Toronto games, and Berube has stressed repeatedly that the issue is rooted in mindset rather than talent.
“We’re scoring enough goals every game to win games. We’re letting in too many goals. We don’t value the defensive side of the puck enough,” he said.
Berube’s comments about needing better habits and stronger commitment have led many to wonder if this roster is responding to the urgency he’s trying to create.
That shift in tone is part of why DeBoer’s name emerged during a discussion on The Jeff Marek Show. Marek asked how close fans were to seeing DeBoer trend on social media, and insider Nick Alberga leaned into the moment with humour before digging into reality.
Alberga joked, “Zack (Phillips) fired Craig Berube last night on After Dark, so Peter DeBoer’s already the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” but his serious follow-up carried far more weight.
Alberga noted that names such as DeBoer and Peter Laviolette will naturally appear if the Leafs continue to struggle. He also didn’t shy away from addressing the deeper issue that has lingered through multiple coaching changes.
“If this just continues for three, four, five more games, then I think they have to seriously consider making a change.”
His comment captures the growing frustration that Toronto’s long-standing core may not be responding to any voice, regardless of résumé or temperament. Alberga even added that he would “rather just pack it up, call it a day, rebuild, and wait for free agency in three years,” a reflection of how some observers believe the roster itself may need reimagining.
DeBoer’s track record makes him an attractive name in this type of moment. He has consistently delivered immediate results in new markets, guiding teams in New Jersey, San Jose, Vegas, and Dallas into contention with structured, predictable hockey.
Whether the Leafs stick with Berube will depend heavily on the next few games. If they regain their footing, the rumours will fade. If the slide continues, the conversation surrounding DeBoer will intensify, and Berube’s seat could warm faster than anyone expected.
Also Read: Maple Leafs’ Record Shows Craig Berube Is Power Walking Towards Fired Ex-HC’s Fate
Put John Tavares back to captain because Matthews is useless and bring DeBoer as new coach also get rid of nelander too because he is too sluggist