Maple Leafs GM John Chayka reveals reason Behind firing coach Craig Berube

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially fired head coach Craig Berube after a disastrous 2025-26 NHL season. Newly appointed general manager John Chayka confirmed the move on Wednesday morning, calling it part of a larger organizational reset following Toronto’s failure to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Berube spent two seasons behind the Maple Leafs bench and finished with an overall regular-season record of 84-62-18 across 164 games.

His first season brought immediate success as Toronto posted a 52-26-4 record, won the Atlantic Division, and reached the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games. However, the 2025-26 season quickly spiraled out of control. Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division with a 32-36-14 record and just 78 points.

MORE: Craig Berube gets honest about his future after Maple Leafs fire GM John Chayka explains decision behind Craig Berube’s firing Following the coaching change, Chayka released a statement explaining why the organization decided to move on from Berube despite his strong reputation around the league. “Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person,” Chayka said. “This decision is more reflective of an organizational shift and an opportunity for a fresh start than it is an evaluation of Craig.

We are grateful for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the Maple Leafs organization and wish Craig and his family nothing but the best moving forward. ” Reports throughout the season suggested growing tension between Berube’s demanding physical system and Toronto’s skilled roster. Additionally, rumors of locker-room disconnects and the team’s offensive decline were also present.