Articles / Quick Shifts: How can Craig Berube get through to Maple Leafs?

Quick Shifts: How can Craig Berube get through to Maple Leafs?

S
Sportsnet
Nov 15, 2025 12:38 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Sportsnet. Read the full original article here →

In the heart of the NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs face challenges that seem to defy straightforward solutions. As head coach Craig Berube takes the helm, he must navigate the complex dynamics of his roster while fostering a winning culture. The pressure to maximize the Maple Leafs' talent often clashes with the need for discipline and accountability. Players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains elusive.

Berube, known for his rigorous coaching style, may look to instill a greater sense of responsibility within the locker room. Establishing clear expectations and holding players accountable for their on-ice decisions could be pivotal for the team's success. His experience with the St. Louis Blues, where he transformed the team into Stanley Cup champions, serves as a model for what he hopes to achieve in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs must also address defensive lapses that have plagued them in recent games. With the likes of Morgan Rielly and their goaltenders needing to step up, the defensive corps must find a way to support their offensive stars. By building a strong foundation at the back end, the team can create a more balanced approach that allows their scored-heavy forwards to thrive.

As the season progresses, fans will be eagerly watching how Berube's strategies unfold and whether he can mold this talented group into a cohesive unit capable of contending for the ultimate prize. The journey ahead will be as much about mental fortitude as it will be about skill, making for an exciting second half of the NHL season.