The Toronto Maple Leafs are enduring one of their toughest seasons, currently sitting last in the Eastern Conference. In an effort to shake up the roster, the team made a move on Monday by firing assistant coach Marc Savard.

With that change, speculation quickly arose about whether further adjustments could be coming, including the possible removal of head coach Craig Berube. However, an insider offers a different perspective.

Insider Says Leafs’ Craig Berube Still Has Time Despite Team Struggles

The Leafs’ locker room has displayed signs of disconnect, with William Nylander admitting after Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars that he has never experienced a stretch like this before in his NHL career.

Saturday’s loss also drew attention for contrasting post-game comments. Berube focused on mental mistakes. Captain Auston Matthews struck a more positive tone, praising the team’s mindset and effort. These mixed messages have fueled speculation about deeper locker-room issues. And talk is growing about whether significant changes could be coming.

However, speaking on The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston emphasized that a coaching change is not imminent. “Leaf’s management doesn’t want to make a coaching change. You know, Craig Berube is 18, 19 months into a four-year deal with this team, and you know, he’s not that far removed if you take yourself out of the emotions of the present moment.” Johnston said.

Johnston highlighted Berube’s accomplishments last season. It includes leading the Leafs to the Atlantic Division title and a hard-fought second-round series against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

He pointed out that with the Leafs entering the Festivus period, the Christmas week and upcoming holiday break could serve as a helpful reset for the team. He added that tensions around the Leafs are running high, and the team is working to navigate through its current struggles.

“I think they’re trying to sort of weather the storm and find their way through this. you know, they’ve been pretty patient to this point uh with Berube, but, you know, I think it is fair to ask the question, how long can they they hold on? I don’t have the answer for you exactly this moment,” Johnston added.

Key injuries have kept essential players out of the lineup. It included top right-shot defensemen Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo, though both are expected to return soon. Goalie Anthony Stolarz, along with Dakota Joshua and Dakota Mermis, are also sidelined.

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There is optimism that forwards like William Nylander, who has gone 11 games without a goal, will regain form. And Auston Matthews is also expected to improve.

While management’s patience isn’t unlimited, there is confidence that the team’s top players can turn things around, allowing the Leafs to stabilize without immediate coaching changes.