Former Maple Leafs Coach to Interview with Edmonton Oilers

As the Edmonton Oilers do their due diligence and speak to coaching candidates around the NHL, former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is interviewing with the franchise. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports, “Hearing a formal interview with Berube is expected after some initial conversation between he and [Stan] Bowman.”

The Maple Leafs have reportedly granted that permission.

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Rishaug adds, “Permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy had still not been granted as of Sunday night.”

Whether this is a play by the Oilers to put some leverage back on their side and prove they are willing and eager to talk to more than just Cassidy, or if there is real interest on the part of the Oilers in seeing if Berube would be a fit, it is an interesting turn of events. Berube was just let go by the Maple Leafs after a disappointing season in which the Leafs didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in a decade. It was speculated that his style didn’t mesh well with stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, raising obvious questions about how he’d get along with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The idea that Edmonton is potentially serious about hiring Berube will be a polarizing topic for Oilers fans. His numbers in 2025-26 were brutal. However, he’s a Stanley Cup-winning coach known to push his teams. It’s being reported that his style might be more what the Oilers are looking for, however, this is not the kind of decision Edmonton should rush to make.

In reality, the Oilers should interview every candidate; they need to be thorough and not roll out the red carpet for Cassidy. Even if Cassidy is ultimately the coach they hire, Bowman and the Oilers have to make sure they’ve looked at every possible option.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs continue to make changes as the team announced that Brandon Pridham and Derek Clancey are leaving the club as assistant GMs.

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