The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the firing of head coach Craig Berube following a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17. New general manager John Chayka framed the decision as part of an organizational reset rather than a direct critique of Berube's coaching abilities. Berube leaves the team with an overall record of 84-62-18 over two seasons, including a successful first year where the Leafs won the Atlantic Division and reached the second round of the playoffs. However, the following season was marked by a dramatic decline, with the team finishing second-last in the Eastern Conference and fifth-last overall in the NHL, dropping from 108 points to just 78. The loss of star player Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights and a career-low performance from Auston Matthews, who recorded only 53 points, contributed to this downturn. Berube still has two years left on his contract at $4.5 million per season, which the Leafs will cover unless he is hired by another team. The Maple Leafs are now searching for a new head coach, who will play a crucial role in shaping the coaching staff and developing the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft scheduled for June 26 in Buffalo.