The Toronto Maple Leafs are implementing another significant change following the conclusion of their playoff run this season. The club confirmed on Wednesday that head coach Craig Berube, who led the team to a 32-36 performance, has been dismissed.
After an initial season that showed considerable promise, Berube’s tenure with the Leafs experienced a marked decline during his second year. The squad concluded the season in eighth place within the Atlantic Division, thereby failing to qualify for the postseason, a first since 2016. His dismissal occurred despite having several years remaining on his contractual agreement.
In an official statement, general manager John Chayka described Berube as an “outstanding coach” but elaborated that the franchise required “a systemic change and a chance for a fresh beginning.”
General Manager Chayka stated that Craig was a superb coach and an even finer individual. He clarified that this determination was more indicative of a team-wide shift and a chance for a renewed beginning, rather than a critique of Craig. He conveyed appreciation for Berube’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the Maple Leafs organization, wishing Craig and his family utmost success going forward.
The club did not disclose any further adjustments to the coaching personnel, stating that the subsequent head coach would ultimately “decide the composition of the remaining coaching staff.”
Berube’s initial agreement with the Maple Leafs was a four-year contract, signed in 2024. Prior to his engagement with the Leafs, Berube had been dismissed by the St. Louis Blues only a few months prior and was serving as a sports analyst for Turner Sports.
Under Berube’s direction, the team delivered an outstanding inaugural season, achieving a 52-26 record and securing victory in the Atlantic Division. This marked the very first instance in the franchise’s history that the club concluded the season atop its division.
During that same year, the Maple Leafs triumphed in their initial playoff series, defeating the Ottawa Senators. However, their progress was halted in the second round by the Florida Panthers, whom they lost to in a seven-game series.
In stark contrast to that prior showing, the 2025-26 season proved to be a significant disappointment. The squad plummeted to the bottom position within the Atlantic Division, prompting the decision for substantial alterations.
In May, CEO Keith Pelley of the team declared the appointment of John Chayka as the new general manager and Mats Sundin as the senior executive adviser for hockey operations. With fresh leadership joining and the team securing the NHL Draft lottery victory, the organization opted for a comprehensive restructuring, including Berube’s termination.
This action may incur financial repercussions for the Leafs in the future. Berube is still due an annual sum of $4.5 million for the upcoming two seasons. The Leafs will be responsible for this obligation unless Berube secures employment with a different team.
Berube, a veteran of 17 seasons as an NHL player, possesses extensive experience as a head coach. Across 10 seasons, his coaching record stands at 365 wins and 252 losses. He guided the Blues to a Stanley Cup championship during the 2018-19 NHL campaign. Beyond his coaching roles with the Blues and Maple Leafs, Berube also commenced his head coaching career with two seasons at the helm of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Regardless of his departure from Toronto, Berube’s previous accomplishments as a head coach suggest he could attract considerable attention on the free-agent market.
