The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Wednesday that head coach Craig Berube is out after just two seasons. General manager John Chayka praised Berube’s character, calling him “a tremendous coach and an even better person,” but said the move reflects an organizational shift rather than performance. The vacancy comes as the club reshapes its leadership hierarchy ahead of the upcoming offseason.

Berube arrived in May 2024 under former GM Brad Treliving and guided Toronto to a second‑round playoff series in his debut year, the franchise’s deepest run since 2012‑13. However, the 2025‑26 campaign collapsed, leaving the Leafs with a 32-36-14 record and missing the postseason entirely, prompting senior management changes and raised questions about roster construction.

The coaching search will determine the fate of assistants Derek Lalonde, Mike Van Ryn and Steve Sullivan, all of whom served under Berube. Former star Mats Sundin has joined the front office as senior adviser, while CEO Keith Pelley recently dismissed Treliving and installed Chayka. The next hire will shape Toronto’s strategy as it seeks a return to contention and may affect future signings significantly.