The expectation is that Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube will be the next to go after Brad Treliving’s dismissal.
But that move may have to wait a little while longer. Tuesday’s press conference by Leafs’ CEO Keith Pelley cleared up some questions, but also left plenty of room for speculation. One of those areas refers to Berube’s future.
Pelley made it clear that it will be the next GM or President of Hockey Operations who will determine Berube’s ultimate fate.
Craig Berube’s future will be determined by the #Leafs next manager/head of operations
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) March 31, 2026
It’s an interesting situation to be sure. The attitude reflects the one the New York Islanders had last season when Lou Lamoriello left as GM and Mathieu Darche took over. The organization allowed Darche to decide what to do with head coach Patrick Roy.
Darche confirmed Roy as coach for this season. While Roy isn’t going to win the Jack Adams, the former Canadiens goalie looks to be on track to lead his team back to the postseason. That’s a major step up from the disappointing season the organization had last year.
Similarly, the next Maple Leafs GM could see an opportunity in allowing Berube to continue one more season. If things turn around similarly to what happened with the Islanders, Berube stays. Berube might, otherwise, get the heave-ho after next year.
But that’s playing with fire.
Berube has to go for the sake of a fresh start
The Islanders played with fire by keeping Roy behind the bench. Had the move backfired, the Islanders would have come under intense scrutiny. The difference in that situation was that the organization identified that the coach wasn’t necessarily the problem.
In the Leafs’ case, however, it’s evident Berube is part of the issue. His nonsensical postgame comments have made it clear he has no idea about what to do.
More often than not, Berube finds himself at a loss for words. He can’t articulate what he’s thinking or is just too concerned about how his thoughts might go down in the media.
That said, the only way the Leafs could really succeed with Berube is if the organization wanted to do a full teardown and rebuild. At that point, it really wouldn’t matter who’s behind the bench. The Leafs would just need to buy time for the massive sell-off, and then have a placeholder to see the transition.
That’s not what the Leafs seem to be after. Toronto is after a quick turnaround similar to what the Boston Bruins did this season. Last year, they dumped Jim Montgomery. After Joe Sacco crashed and burned, they brought in Marco Sturm. Sturm has done a good job, leading Boston back to the postseason.
That’s what the Leafs hope can happen. And, as much as you would like to see Chief turn it around, it won’t happen. The organization will need to convince the players, Auston Matthews, the media, pundits, and the fans that next season will be different.
That’s why, as sad as it is, Berube must go.