The Toronto Maple Leafs are seeking a new direction. On Wednesday, General Manager John Chayka announced that the organization has relieved Craig Berube of his duties as head coach.
In an official statement, Chayka praised Berube’s character and work ethic but emphasized that a change behind the bench was essential as the franchise pivots toward the future.
“Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person,” Chayka stated. “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 Maple Leafs organization, and we wish Craig and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”
General Manager John Chayka announced today that the club has parted ways with head coach Craig Berube pic.twitter.com/PJo8e9ATLW
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 13, 2026
Berube joined the organization in the summer of 2024, shortly after his tenure with the St. Louis Blues ended. His arrival initially sparked a resurgence in Toronto; he guided the team to a stellar 52-26-4 record and an Atlantic Division title in his first year. However, despite reaching the second round, the Leafs were ultimately eliminated in seven games by the eventual champion Florida Panthers.
Expectations remained at an all-time high heading into the 2025-26 campaign, but the team failed to find its rhythm. A combination of significant injuries, misfortune, and perceived inconsistencies in effort saw the roster spiral to the bottom of the standings. Toronto finished last in the Atlantic, marking the first time the club has missed the postseason since the 2015-16 season, the year prior to drafting captain Auston Matthews.
Across two seasons under Berube, the Maple Leafs posted a cumulative record of 84-62-18.