The Toronto Maple Leafs are mired in a five-game losing streak and fading fast in the Atlantic Division. They are six points behind the Boston Bruins for the top spot. Saturday night’s 3-2 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks has further fueled speculation about big changes coming in Toronto.
But according to one notable insider, that change will not come behind the bench.
During the second intermission of the Maple Leafs-Blackhawks game, insider Elliotte Friedman delivered his usual news rundown on Saturday Headlines. During the segment, he focused heavily on the Maple Leafs.
When asked about coach Craig Berube’s future in Toronto, Friedman had this to say:
“I don’t believe so. Not right now. I don’t see that right now.”
The comments highlight how the Maple Leafs’ plans could focus on shaking up the roster, not the coaching staff.
Toronto’s second-year coach had a successful season in 2024-25. He led the team to a division title and a second-round playoff appearance. This season, however, the loss of some key players in the offseason and inconsistency have led the club to struggle.
The biggest issue has been the Maple Leafs’ generally reliable goaltending. Last season, the tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz was among the best in the NHL. This season, Woll missed the first month. While Woll returned on Saturday in Chicago, Stolarz is now out for an undetermined period.
Plus, the Maple Leafs’ overall inconsistent play has led the club to ponder a major shakeup as it looks to salvage its season.
Berube May Not Be Safe for Long
The question, nevertheless, will be how long Craig Berube will be safe. If Maple Leafs’ management is serious about a shakeup, when will that come? Most importantly, will it be just limited to the roster? Or will the club consider a shakeup behind the bench?
Those questions could get answers depending on how much further the club descends in the standings. Perhaps the catalyst may be Berube losing a grip on the team. If Berube can no longer rally his troops, management may have no other choice but to seek an alternative. Such an alternative may involve dismissing Berube and bringing in a new voice behind the bench.
Maple Leafs’ Shakeup Likely to Start with Roster Players
One of the points Friedman made was how the Maple Leafs are unlikely to trade away futures. That means prospects like Easton Cowan could be safe for the time being. That situation means that the biggest chances could come from players on the current active roster.
The question lies in which players the Maple Leafs could move based on their perceived value. The team evidently needs help on the blueline and in the bottom six. While the core players may be safe, the team needs much more depth.
The Maple Leafs will next play the equally struggling St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena. A win should quell the call for change. But a sixth-straight loss, especially to the Blues, could send the team over the edge.
Despite the calendar being in mid-November, the Maple Leafs face a significant amount of pressure.
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