** Update: The Maple Leafs have made the Craig Berube hiring official on Friday, posting the news on their social media accounts and releasing a statement on their website.
Multiple NHL insiders, including TSN’s Darren Dreger, are reporting Craig Berube is set to be announced as the next head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dreger said while a guest on 1st Up, “I’d be surprised if something wasn’t announced as early as Tuesday.”
Berube had been the front-runner for the Leafs’ coaching job since Sheldon Keefe was relieved of his duties following the Leafs disappointing playoff elimination. Dreger reported not long before the team announced the hiring that GM Brad Treliving had done his due diligence on Berube and other reports are that the organization has interviewed several coaching candidates, including Todd McLellan. Elliotte Friedman added, “Nothing is finalized, but multiple sources indicated Friday that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Craig Berube are far down the road on the process of becoming the team’s next head coach.”
Berube, who last coached the St. Louis Blues from 2017 to 2023, was a leading candidate for a few vacant coaching jobs around the NHL. It was reported the New Jersey Devils showed early interest but have since shifted gears towards Sheldon Keefe.
Is Berube the Right Fit For the Maple Leafs?
Said to be a motivating, but no-nonsense coach, Treliving wanted someone that could get more out of the Leafs’ top stars. The disappointment has come in the Core Four’s consistent inability to rise up during the playoffs and bring another gear to their respective games. It has led to multiple early playoff exits. Berube led a Blues team that was almost out of the playoff mix to the Stanley Cup. He might be the right guy for the job.
Others wonder if Berube was a one-shot wonder whose timing was incredible. He has a career .584 winning percentage as a coach and a .466 win/loss percentage in the playoffs. Will the likes of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and others respond? Will this hire lead to Mitch Marner likely staying with the team or leaving in a trade? These are all questions that will need to be answered.
Pierre LeBrun is reporting: “Craig Berube’s deal as Leafs head coach is for 4 years.” A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday where Berube will speak to the media.
