Toronto Maple Leafs Fire Craig Berube: NHL Tonight Discusses Future Plans

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Craig Berube, marking a significant organizational shift for the NHL franchise just weeks after a change in leadership at the general manager level. The decision, announced on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, follows a season in which the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in a decade, prompting a broader reassessment of the club’s direction.

In a statement, John Chayka, the Maple Leafs’ general manager, emphasized that the move was not a reflection on Berube’s coaching ability but rather part of a broader strategic realignment. "We didn’t make this decision in a vacuum," Chayka said. "It’s a bigger picture decision and it’s not just about the coach. We felt like there’s some things we need to change and do better, and that starts at the top with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley and the board aligned on a vision and the path ahead."

Berube, who took over from Sheldon Keefe in May 2024, compiled a record of 84 wins, 62 losses, and 18 ties over two seasons. Despite his tenure, the team’s defensive struggles—including allowing 3.60 goals per game this season, the worst in the NHL—contributed to the decision. Chayka met with Berube over the weekend and praised his professionalism, stating, "He’s a great man, a very good coach, and did a lot of good things here."

The firing comes amid a period of transition for the franchise. Just last month, Brad Treliving was dismissed as general manager, and Chayka was hired to oversee a rebuild. The new coaching search will now determine the makeup of the remainder of the staff, with Chayka indicating a "thorough process" for selecting a replacement. "We’ll have a wide search," he added, though he declined to specify the areas requiring immediate change beyond the coaching position.

The Maple Leafs, Canada’s most prominent NHL franchise, have long been a symbol of the city’s passion for hockey. Toronto, the largest city in the country, is home to over 2.7 million people and a diverse sports culture, with the team’s struggles resonating deeply with fans. The decision to part ways with Berube follows a season in which the Leafs’ playoff hopes evaporated early, ending a streak of consecutive playoff appearances.

While the exact timeline for naming a replacement remains unclear, the move signals a renewed focus on rebuilding the team’s core. Chayka’s comments suggest that the organizational shift extends beyond coaching, hinting at broader changes in player development, staffing, and strategic direction.

For now, the Maple Leafs enter an uncertain period, with the next steps hinging on the search for a new head coach and the implementation of the broader vision outlined by Chayka and Pelley.

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