The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they are making a coaching change, parting ways with head coach Craig Berube.
General Manager John Chayka announced today that the team has parted ways with coach Craig Berube pic.twitter.com/PJo8e9ATLW
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 13, 2026
Maple Leafs GM John Chayka via press release: “Craig is an amazing coach and the best person,” Chayka said. “This decision is more indicative of organizational change and an opportunity for a fresh start than it is an evaluation of Craig. We appreciate his leadership, creativity and commitment to the Maple Leafs organization and wish Craig and his family nothing but the best in the future.”
NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews
The Maple Leafs are moving in a new direction, which is not surprising given that Berube and the team did not meet this season. Part of that has to do with the staff on the list. However, when previous General Manager Brad Treliving was fired, it was only a matter of time before Craig Berube followed.
The teams of Chayka, Senior Executive Advisor Mats Sundin and Berube met over the weekend, as reported. However, the new management was looking for a new coach who will clarify where the team is headed.
Berube got the call this morning after spending several hours with Chayka and Sundin on Saturday discussing all aspects of the roster. Leaf managers who want to start with a clean slate.
– Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 13, 2026
The Toronto Maple Leafs hire Mats Sundin and John Chayka
Berube completed the second year of a four-year deal he signed before the 2024-25 season, when former GM Brad Treliving brought him in after the team replaced Sheldon Keefe, who is now the head coach in New Jersey. But that means the Maple Leafs still owe Berube $4.5 million over the next two years, barring a new deal.
Berube still had two years left on his deal paying him $4.5M apiece so the Leafs are still trying that unless Berube is hired elsewhere.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 13, 2026
Also, is Craig Berube completely wrong here? No, because the lineup was not as good as it was in 2024-25 when the Maple Leafs lost to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of Round 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. There were injuries and other things that led to the Maple Leafs falling from the top. But stylistically, they don’t match.
Although MLSE CEO Keith Pelley was a fan of Berube, the Maple Leafs are looking for a fresh start with a new coach. Not to mention that this could be part of a plan to keep Auston Matthews in the fold. That meeting is still to come in the coming weeks, once the plans are settled.
What does the future hold for Craig Berube in Toronto? Who Can Take His Place?
Berube, a Stanley Cup champion as head coach of the St. Louis Blues in 2019. He is highly regarded and could get the job again next season. Now the Maple Leafs join the Los Angeles Kings and possibly the Edmonton Oilers as teams looking for a new head coach.
Wondering how Bruce Cassidy fits into all of this, since he’s still being paid by the Vegas Golden Knights, or the Maple Leafs are going with a first-year head coach?
?Night Cap Recap ?
Craig Berube From Toronto. More Training Changes Coming Elsewhere? #leavesforever #letsgooilers pic.twitter.com/IWKQYfM8rP
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) May 13, 2026
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