After a tumultuous season that saw the Toronto Maple Leafs once again fall short of their playoff ambitions, the organization decided to part ways with head coach Sheldon Keefe.
The search for a new head coach is underway, and rumours are swirling about who will take the reins. As the Leafs look for the perfect replacement, speculation abounds about potential candidates like Craig Berube, Claude Julien, and others.
Here's why the Toronto Maple Leafs need to tread carefully with their next head coach pick.
Sheldon Keefe's Departure
Despite leading the Maple Leafs to a 212-97-40 record in the regular season, Keefe's playoff woes (16-21) ultimately sealed his fate. As General Manager Brad Treliving said in his official statement, "a new voice is needed" to push the team toward its elusive championship goal.
For more on the firing, see the Daily Faceoff's report on Keefe's departure.
The Leading Candidates
Craig Berube
Profile: Stanley Cup-winning coach with the St. Louis Blues (2019).
Fit Analysis: Berube's no-nonsense, motivational style is exactly what the Maple Leafs need to unlock their potential. He emphasizes defense and accountability, traits the team has often lacked in high-stakes games.
Why Berube Fits: Berube would bring a fresh approach and a proven playoff pedigree to Toronto. He's frequently mentioned as a top contender, and where there's "smoke & fire," there's usually something to it.
Claude Julien
Profile: Former coach of the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens, winning a Stanley Cup in 2011.
Fit Analysis: Known for his defensive discipline and systematic play, Julien could help shore up Toronto's defensive woes.
Why Julien Might Work: Julien's experience and defensive-minded approach would offer the Leafs stability behind the bench. However, recent exits with Montreal and Boston raise concerns about his ability to adapt to modern NHL playstyles.
Other Names in the Hat
- Gerard Gallant: Former New York Rangers and Vegas Golden Knights coach with an aggressive forechecking style.
- Jay Woodcroft: Recently fired by the Edmonton Oilers, known for managing high-skill players.
- Guy Boucher: Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach and former head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators.
For a deeper look at possible replacements, Editor in Leaf provides insightful analysis of Guy Boucher and other potential candidates.
What the Leafs Need
Selecting a head coach who can both inspire the Maple Leafs' star-studded roster and implement a winning system will be a balancing act. The organization needs a leader who can galvanize a team plagued by playoff inconsistency.
Here's why Berube stands out:
Motivational Leadership: Berube's ability to motivate players and hold them accountable could be key to unlocking the Leafs' potential.
Defensive Structure: His emphasis on defensive responsibility would address Toronto's persistent issues in their own zone.
Playoff Success: With a Stanley Cup on his resume, Berube knows how to navigate the high-stakes playoff environment.
While Craig Berube appears to be the likeliest fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs' head coaching job, the team must carefully weigh its options. Whether it's Berube or another candidate like Julien or Gallant, the next head coach will face immediate pressure to deliver postseason success for a fanbase that's been starved of it.
