If the Toronto Maple Leafs are seriously considering moving on from head coach Craig Berube, they’d be wise to take a long, hard look at the roster he’s working with - because the issues in Toronto go well beyond the bench.
Yes, it’s only early December. But the Leafs already find themselves staring down a season-long battle just to stay in the playoff picture.
That’s not where a team with this much star power expected to be, and it’s certainly not where Berube - brought in to instill structure and accountability - expected to find himself. His seat may be warming, but if we’re pointing fingers, the front office deserves its share of scrutiny too.
Let’s start with the foundation. Thirteen players from the group that lost Game 7 to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2024 playoffs under Sheldon Keefe are still on the roster.
That includes the core: Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, and Jake McCabe. It’s a veteran-heavy group, familiar with the highs and lows of Toronto’s playoff heartbreaks - and one that was supposed to be retooled, not just recycled.
General manager Brad Treliving has made his mark since taking over. Some of his moves have worked.
Others, not so much. Let’s break it down.
The Hits: Chris Tanev and Anthony Stolarz
When Treliving brought in Chris Tanev, it was a clear signal: this team needed more bite and more brains on the back end. Tanev delivered both in spades last season, becoming the defensive tone-setter Toronto desperately needed. He brought a calm, veteran presence, and helped the Leafs claim the Atlantic Division crown with his blend of poise, positioning, and leadership.
In net, Anthony Stolarz was a revelation. He didn’t just plug holes - he erased mistakes.
Stolarz finished last season with a sparkling .926 save percentage, ranking among the league’s best. He gave the Leafs something they hadn’t had in years: a goalie who could steal games consistently.
But here’s the problem - neither of those performances has carried over into 2025-26.
Tanev has barely been available this season, limited to just eight games due to injury. His absence has been glaring.
Without him, the Leafs’ blue line has looked disjointed and far less confident. Tanev still has four years left on his contract after this one, carrying a $4.5 million cap hit.
That’s not a killer deal, especially if he can stay healthy, but the early returns this season haven’t been encouraging.
Stolarz, meanwhile, is staring down the start of a four-year extension next season. He hasn’t been able to replicate last year’s form, and health has again become a factor. If he’s going to live up to that deal, he’ll need to rediscover the level that made him such a standout just a year ago.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about Berube’s systems or his ability to motivate. It’s about a roster that hasn’t quite clicked - and a front office that’s still trying to find the right mix.
The Leafs have their stars, and they’ve added some solid pieces. But the margins in the NHL are razor-thin, and Toronto’s depth, consistency, and health have all been tested early this season.
Berube may not be safe - that’s the reality of coaching in a market like Toronto. But if the Maple Leafs are going to get back on track, it’ll take more than a change behind the bench. It’ll take a full-team response, starting with the players and extending all the way up to the GM’s office.