Craig Berube's Gone: Maple Leafs Fire Coach After Missing Playoffs for First Time Since 2016
The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled the trigger. After two seasons behind the bench, head coach Craig Berube is out. The move comes after the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, marking a significant collapse for one of the NHL's marquee franchises.
This is the kind of decision that doesn't come lightly in Toronto. The Leafs had championship expectations when they brought Berube in, and for two years, he had a chance to turn things around. But missing the postseason entirely in 2026 is a verdict that can't be ignored. In a market as intense as Toronto, playoff appearances aren't optional. They're the minimum.
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The specifics of what led to this breakdown aren't detailed in the firing announcement, but the bottom line is brutal: a storied franchise couldn't find a way into playoff contention. For a team with the resources and talent the Leafs should have, that's inexcusable. When you miss the dance in a season where you're supposed to be competing, the coaching staff typically takes the fall.
Berube had his shot across two full seasons to implement his system, build team chemistry, and deliver results. The organization decided that wasn't enough. Whether the problem was tactical, personnel-related, or some combination of both, the Leafs felt the need to move on.
What's Next for Toronto?
The Leafs are now in the market for new leadership. The question facing the franchise is whether the core roster can get back to playoff form under fresh direction, or if deeper changes are coming. Either way, the 2026-27 season is going to be a critical one for Toronto. After a year out of the postseason, the pressure will be immense to bounce back immediately.
For now, the Berube era in Toronto is done. It's a reminder that in the NHL, no job is safe when results stop coming. The Leafs have a lot of work to do.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.