Former NHL HC Peter DeBoer explains what it’s like coaching Maple Leafs

Former NHL head coach Peter DeBoer did not hold back when describing the challenge of coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs during a lost season.

Speaking on Leafs’ Morning Take, DeBoer called it “the hardest job in hockey” when a team has little left to play for. Toronto finds itself in that exact position.

The team sits near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, with playoff hopes all but gone. Injuries to Auston Matthews and roster changes have only deepened the slide, leaving the final stretch of games with limited stakes.

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DeBoer explained that the mental side becomes the biggest test. A coach must convince players to stay engaged despite the standings.

“It’s the hardest job in hockey being in that position,” DeBoer said. “I haven’t been in that position much. I was in that position in Florida, my first job in the NHL, a couple of times where, you know, we unloaded at the deadline and, you know, played out the string, so to speak.”

“It’s the hardest job in hockey because, you know, you’ve got to come into that room and convince those guys to keep playing for something. Whether it’s a roster spot next year, whether it’s to show, you know, you belong on another special team or higher in the lineup, or just for the pride of the jersey. It’s really tough.”

The challenge is not only for players. DeBoer noted that coaches must manage their own frustration from a disappointing season. He stressed the importance of showing up with the right attitude.

“I don’t envy anybody that’s in that spot because on top of that, you’re dealing with your own frustration of a disappointing year, and that’s something you really have to park and try and show up in that dressing room with as good an attitude as you can have without carrying that around,” DoBer said.

“And, when I listen to Craig talk, I think he’s done an exceptional job recently of trying to keep the guys playing hard here through the end.”

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Craig Berube’s comments on the Maple Leafs facing criticism

Current Leafs head coach Craig Berube has faced that pressure in one of hockey’s toughest markets. The team has shown inconsistency in the 2025-26 season, with a 29-28-12 record. Offensive output has been average, but defensive struggles remain a major issue, allowing 3.44 goals per game.

Speaking about the season, Berube acknowledged that fan criticism is part of the job, especially when expectations are high and results fall short.

“There comes criticism with not doing well,” Berube said. “That’s part of the game. You’ve got to understand that’s just the way it is, and you’ve got to deal with it. They have every right to be critical. They pay good money for tickets, and they want the Leafs to do well.

“So when they’re not doing well, there’s going to be some criticism.”

Toronto’s struggles reflect a mix of injuries, inconsistency, and defensive issues. Yet the focus now shifts to effort and culture. As DeBoer outlined, these final games still matter, even if the standings suggest otherwise.

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