Craig Berube gets fired by the Maple Leafs!

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially made a major change behind the bench.

General manager John Chayka announced on Wednesday that the organization has parted ways with head coach Craig Berube after just two seasons with the club.

In a statement, the new GM stated: “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. We are grateful for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the Leafs.”

In their statement, the Leafs also mention the future of the assistant coaches will be up to the next head coach.

The move comes only weeks after Toronto introduced Chayka as the team’s new general manager alongside franchise legend Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser, signalling the beginning of what is quickly becoming a dramatic organizational shift.

Over the past week, speculation had continued to grow that Berube would return for a third season behind the Leafs’ bench. However, from the moment Chayka arrived, there were clear indications that management intended to evaluate whether Berube aligned with the long-term vision they were building in Toronto.

Ultimately, the new front office decided a different direction was needed.

Berube had two more years on his contract, which pays him $4.5M per season, and so the Maple Leafs Leafs still on the hook for that unless the veteran bench boss gets hired elsewhere.

The decision immediately becomes one of the biggest storylines of the NHL offseason, especially given the expectations surrounding Berube when he originally arrived in Toronto. Known for his demanding style and Stanley Cup pedigree, Berube was brought in to help push the Maple Leafs through their playoff struggles and establish a more physical identity.

Instead, another disappointing postseason appears to have triggered sweeping changes throughout the organization. Toronto finished 28th in the NHL and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Berube compiled a 84-62-18 record over two seasons with the club. 

Now, attention quickly shifts toward who Chayka and the Leafs could target as their next head coach, and what this means for the future direction of a roster already facing enormous pressure heading into next season.