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Maple Leafs Fire Coach Craig Berube in Early Offseason Reset

The move signals a reset under new GM John Chayka following a playoff miss.

Dec 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube watches the action against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images/File Photo
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube looks on during first period NHL hockey action against the Ottawa Senators, in Toronto, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025.

Overview

  • The team, which announced the decision Wednesday, called it an organizational “fresh start” rather than a judgment on Berube.
  • The change follows a 32-36-14 season that ended a nine-year playoff streak and led to the firing of former GM Brad Treliving.
  • New leadership John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin have begun a roster review, with Chayka praising Matthew Knies as a “really unique” player.
  • Toronto holds the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after winning the lottery, setting up a major choice on how to use that asset.
  • The next head coach will select the rest of the staff, and Berube leaves with two years remaining on his contract and an 84-62-18 record in Toronto.