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The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves looking for solutions to their current woes, but firing Craig Berube won’t really solve much.
The Toronto Maple Leafs sit mired in disappointing season, prompting calls to fire coach Craig Berube. The Leafs’ second year coach hasn’t been able to build on last year’s regular-season success. Fans and pundits blame his conservative systems for the team’s inability to get hump.
Yet, axing Berube addresses symptoms, not the disease. The Maple Leafs’ issues stem from roster flaws, management missteps, and a culture of underachievement that runs far deeper than the bench boss.
Berube took over last year, leading the Maple Leafs to a division title. While the playoffs proved disappointing, there was some hope that Toronto could make significant headway. However, the club hovers near .500, outscored in five-on-five play. Critics cite his reluctance to play a more offensive-minded game, but data shows the real culprits: porous defense and goaltending.
Berube’s Systems Aren’t the Culprit
Scapegoating Berube ignores Toronto’s talent mismatches. The Maple Leafs rank in the “bad” quadrant, according to MoneyPuck’s assessment of goals for vs. goals against. In particular, the defense hasn’t really stepped up to maintain a consistent defensive approach.
It’s also worth noting Berube’s structured approach actually improved the penalty kill. But it has come at the power play’s detriment. The firing of power play coach Marc Savard earlier this year was naught more than a band-aid on a major issue.
Plus, goaltending collapses amplify flaws. Anthony Stolarz’s -12.5 goals saved above expected has been a major disappointment. The missed time due to injury hasn’t helped solve matters. That’s something that can’t really fall on Berube’s shoulders.
Berube inherited a roster built for regular-season success, not prolonged playoff runs. But even with the offseason changes, the regular-season results just aren’t there this season.
Deeper Maple Leafs Dysfunction Demands Retool
Firing Berube echoes past firings of Sheldon Keefe and Mike Babcock, yielding short-term bumps but no Cups. The Maple Leafs’ issues remained consistent throughout Brendan Shanahan’s front office tenure.
GM Brad Treliving has tried to make the best of what he’s got in the post-Shanahan era. But the reality is that the additions did little to mask the lack of complementary scoring from mid-six forwards like Max Domi, Dakota Joshua, Calle Jarnkrok, and Nick Robertson.
Robertson, nevertheless, has maintained his career averages in scoring. That’s all right, but the team has expected more from Domi, Matias Maccelli, and Matthew Knies. Knies has had a bit of a down year due to injuries. Hopefully the Olympics will provide him with an opportunity to recover and get back into form.
As for the blue line, that’s a massive work in progress. The loss of Chris Tanev won’t help the Maple Leafs climb out of the rut they’re in. But then again, there really isn’t a solution on the trade market to ameliorate the issue.
Yes, there is a clear need for a retool. But that’s easier said than done. The sort of retool the Leafs need isn’t something that can occur at the NHL trade deadline. It’s something that will demand more from the Maple Leafs’ front office. Namely, translating a clear vision and not just adjusting whatever pieces are there to suit Berube’s playing style.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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