Maple Leafs' Lineup Stability Paying Off Under Berube’s Clear Vision
Coming into the 2025-26 season, the biggest question looming over the Toronto Maple Leafs wasn’t about star power-it was about depth. Could this team, top-heavy in years past, finally roll four lines strong enough to go toe-to-toe with the NHL’s elite?
For too long, the Leafs were caught in a cycle of constant line juggling. One night a player was in the top six, the next he was a healthy scratch.
That revolving-door approach made it tough for anyone outside the core to establish rhythm or confidence. But this season?
It’s been a different story entirely.
Craig Berube Brings Structure-and It’s Working
Head coach Craig Berube has brought something the Leafs desperately needed: clarity. Instead of guessing games and nightly lineup surprises, players now know exactly what’s expected of them.
Berube has taken the time to understand where each player fits best-and more importantly, he’s stuck with it. That consistency has been a game-changer.
Gone are the days of uncertainty that marked the Sheldon Keefe era. Under Berube, the Maple Leafs have found a sense of identity, especially in the bottom six. And while these players might not light up the scoresheet every night, their impact goes far beyond goals and assists.
Take Steven Lorentz, Calle Järnkrok, Nicolas Roy, and Scott Laughton. These guys have been deployed in a variety of roles-penalty kill, checking assignments, energy shifts-and they’ve delivered. It’s the kind of depth performance that’s been missing in Toronto for years.
Smart Acquisitions, Real Impact
A lot of credit has to go to GM Brad Treliving and Berube for how they’ve reshaped this roster. Last season’s trade deadline move for Scott Laughton wasn’t just a depth add-it was a deliberate choice to bring in a player who fits the team’s evolving identity.
Same goes for the offseason additions of Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli, and Nicolas Roy. These weren’t just hopeful swings; they were calculated moves with purpose.
That’s a big shift from previous years, when the Leafs would bring in players late in the season and hope they’d magically fit. This time around, the front office and coaching staff clearly had a plan-and it’s showing on the ice.
Lines That Complement, Not Compete
Early in the season, the Leafs did hit some turbulence. Players weren’t performing to expectations, and chemistry was lacking.
But instead of panicking and going back to the blender, Berube and his staff stayed the course. They gave lines time to gel, and now that patience is paying off.
Each line has a distinct role. The fourth line is built to bring energy and wear down opponents.
The third line is a reliable shutdown unit that can also chip in offensively, especially with Nick Robertson bringing some spark. And of course, the top two lines are where the offensive punch lives.
What’s surprising is how those roles have taken shape. Not many would’ve predicted Matthew Knies sliding into the bottom six when healthy, or Bobby McMann earning a spot alongside Auston Matthews on the top line.
But that’s the beauty of what Berube’s done-he’s not married to traditional roles or reputations. He’s looking at what works, and he’s not afraid to make bold, calculated decisions.
A Blueprint That’s Starting to Click
This version of the Maple Leafs isn’t just trying to outscore opponents-they’re trying to outplay them, shift by shift. It’s a more complete, more intentional approach than we’ve seen in recent years. And while there’s still a lot of hockey left to be played, the foundation looks solid.
For the first time in a long time, the Leafs aren’t just relying on their stars to carry the load. They’ve got a lineup that’s pulling in the same direction-and that might be the most dangerous thing about them.