TORONTO — Craig Berube’s role as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs is secure, according to general manager Brad Treliving. This reassurance comes in the wake of assistant coach Marc Savard’s dismissal and amid the team’s disappointing position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Treliving emphasized his full support for Berube, addressing concerns about a supposed disconnect between them. “We all have to be better,” he stated. The Maple Leafs recently suffered three straight losses on a road trip, struggling against the Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators, and Dallas Stars, with a combined score of 14-4. They’ve only managed one win in their last six games, a narrow 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, which featured a late comeback.
So, what happens if the team’s situation doesn’t improve? Treliving avoided speculation but expressed confidence in Berube’s ability to lead. He acknowledged the need for growth and teamwork: “We’ve got to look for collective solutions.” Despite their current struggles, the Maple Leafs are not far off from a playoff spot, trailing the New Jersey Devils by just six points for the second wild card, though they must surpass eight teams to reach it.
Last season, the Maple Leafs not only won the Atlantic Division but also made it to the playoffs for nine consecutive years. Treliving remarked, “I don’t think we’re turning the page on the season right now.” In the meantime, Savard’s position will remain unfilled for the time being. Treliving noted, “It was a change we could make,” while acknowledging the collective responsibility of the coaching staff.
Assistant coach Derek Lalonde will temporarily oversee the power play, which has dropped to last place in the NHL, converting just 13.3% of the time. This is a significant decline from last season, when they ranked eighth with a 24.8% success rate. The absence of forward Mitch Marner, who had 33 power-play points last year before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, has hindered the team’s offensive production. Key players like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares have combined for only 15 power-play points this season.
Treliving stressed the importance of improving this area: “The power play has cost us points in the standings.” In the face of these challenges, the team is looking for paths to enhance performance and return to their winning form.
As the Maple Leafs navigate this tough period, their history of resilience could serve them well. Fan reactions on social media show a mix of hope and frustration, highlighting a shared desire for improvement. With the right adjustments and commitment, the team can still turn this season around.
