
Another decision from the Maple Leafs provokes a strong reaction from fans.
The Maple Leafs officially announced their new front office on Sunday when they introduced John Chayka as the organization's new general manager as well as former Maple Leafs forward Mats Sundin in an executive advisory role.
It was a decision that was met with mixed reactions with serious questions lingering about both appointments, but that may pale in comparison to the reaction the latest news about the Maple Leafs is likely to produce.
On Monday morning, NHL insider Darren Dreger revealed that, despite the catastrophic season the Maple Leafs just had, that they are poised to retain the man that many blame for a large portion of this season's shortcomings. I am of course referring to Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube.
"Probably," said Dreger on TSN 1050 radio. "I was told yesterday that it is very likely that they move forward with Berube."
Not only did Dreger hear that information from his sources, but also expressed his own belief that Berube remaining in Toronto is all but a forgone conclusion.
"I would be surprised if they didn't do that," admitted Dreger. "Aside from the contract, we know he's got two years remaining on his deal."
Dreger pointed to the fact that it was very unlikely that John Chayka, who had been out of the league for nearly 6 years prior to being hired by the Maple Leafs, had another head coach in mind when taking on this role.
"Unless a general manager has somebody in their back pocket... normally the general manager, or new hockey ops people, want to get to know the people under contract, and in this case a guy who has won a Stanley Cup," said Dreger.
Berube came under a great deal of scrutiny last season and it was clear at times that the Maple Leafs head coach was as frustrated behind the bench as the fans were watching at home. Whether or not Berube can find another gear to get the most out of his players next season is of course up for debate.
Are the Leafs making the right decision in sticking with Berube? Or is this a mistake? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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Jonathan has been writing for Hockey Feed since it's inception. He began skating almost as soon as he could walk and has been an an avid and lifelong hockey fan ever since.
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