Former NHL general manager Doug MacLean has recently shared his strong opinion about Toronto Maple Leafs’ coach, Craig Berube, dismissing the growing narrative that Berube is to blame for the team’s midseason inconsistency. MacLean, speaking on Daily Faceoff, shifted the responsibility away from the coach and placed it squarely on the team’s core players, including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, and Max Domi.
“I’m not buying that Craig Berube is the problem. I really don’t,” MacLean stated. “I mean, I think he’s a good coach. Do I think he’s a great coach? Probably not, but he’s a good coach.”
MacLean emphasized the need for pressure to be put on the players to step up their game. He called for the team’s management to make a strong statement and challenge the players to perform better. The Leafs currently have a record of 12-11-3, a significant drop from their promising 8-5-1 start to the 2025–26 season. Defensive lapses and a struggling power play have been major issues for the team.
Despite these challenges, the Leafs managed to secure a strong 4-1 victory over the Panthers in their recent game. Berube praised the team’s performance, highlighting it as one of the fastest-paced games of the season. Players like Troy Stecher, Dakota Joshua, Scott Laughton, and John Tavares all contributed to the win, with Joseph Woll making key saves in goal.
MacLean reiterated that the accountability must lie with the team’s star players, not the coach. While Nylander and Tavares have been standouts for the Leafs, MacLean emphasized the need for the entire team to step up and address their issues. Without a collective effort from the top players, MacLean warned that the team’s problems would persist.
In conclusion, the pressure is on the Toronto Maple Leafs to turn their season around and live up to their potential. Craig Berube may not be the sole problem, but the players must take responsibility for their performances on the ice. With the right mindset and determination, the Leafs have the talent to overcome their challenges and compete at a higher level in the NHL.
This article was edited by Ankit Kumar.
