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Savard Fired: Berube’s Time in Toronto May Be Nearing Its End
Marc Savard is out, now Toronto faces coaching questions as Craig Berube’s time with the Leafs may be nearing its end.
The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the Craig Berube era with a clear objective: change the team’s identity and finally push past the same postseason ceiling that has defined the franchise for nearly two decades. Berube was brought in to harden the Leafs, introduce accountability, and instill a playoff-style structure rooted in physicality and direct play. Less than a full season later, questions are already mounting about whether that vision has truly taken hold — and whether Berube himself is on increasingly thin ice.
With the news of Marc Savard‘s firing on Monday, questions will undoubtedly arise about the status of the head coach. Pierre LeBrun reports, “Doesn’t sound like the Leafs are bringing in someone to replace Marc Savard for the moment. Going to go in-house for now. Obviously, that’s subject to change.”
Do Toronto’s Problems Go Beyond Savard and Include Berube?
Toronto’s problems aren’t anything new, but Berube had bigger expectations than the coaches before him. He wasn’t hired to develop players or slowly build a better team culture. Berube came with a Stanley Cup title and a reputation for being strict and willing to call out even the best players. If that didn’t work out fast in Toronto, he wouldn’t get much time to turn things around.
As the season’s gone on, the Leafs’ up-and-down performances have put a lot of heat on the coaches. Defensive mistakes, inconsistent playing, and the same old problems against well-organized teams have people asking if Berube’s changes have really made a difference. When you’re expected to win a championship, just being okay isn’t good enough.
If Toronto decides Berube isn’t the right coach for the future, there are already names being considered to replace him.
The Pete DeBoer Question
One of the first names that naturally comes up is Pete DeBoer, a proven NHL coach with a strong résumé and a reputation for maximizing veteran rosters. DeBoer has guided multiple teams deep into the playoffs and is widely respected for his tactical adjustments and defensive structure.
However, reports suggest that DeBoer may not be interested in the Toronto job. Whether that stems from the market pressure, organizational dynamics, or simply personal preference, his potential lack of interest could remove one of the most established candidates from the equation before talks even begin. For the Leafs, that narrows the field quickly.
Familiar Faces: Woodcroft and Gallant
If Toronto goes for experience, Jay Woodcroft would make sense. During his time in Edmonton, he showed he could work with elite talented offensive players and still keep an up-to-date, puck-possession system going. Unfortunately for him, things ended fast with the Oilers, but he’s still got a good reputation around the league as he’s currently the assistant coach for the Anaheim Ducks. People might see him as a coach who can mix structure with creativity—something Toronto has had a hard time balancing.
Another name that keeps popping up is Gerard Gallant. He’s known for turning teams around fast, and his no-nonsense style works well with older players. Some folks say he doesn’t stick around for very long and can be stiff with his tactics, but for a Leafs team that really wants to win in the playoffs, quick wins might be more important than planning way ahead.
The Wild Card: David Carle
Perhaps the most intriguing candidate is David Carle, the head coach at the University of Denver and one of the fastest-rising names in hockey. Carle has built a dominant college program, winning multiple national championships and earning praise for his player development, adaptability, and leadership style.
Carle, who’s only 35, is quite different from the Leaf’s usual coaching choices. Hiring him would mean they’re ready to think ahead and try new stuff instead of going with the same old NHL faces. Sure, going from college to the NHL is a big move, but Carle’s recent wins at international tourneys have really boosted his reputation.
A Decision That Defines the Direction
If Craig Berube’s tenure in Toronto does come to an end, the choice of his replacement will say as much about the Leafs’ organizational philosophy as it does about their urgency to win. Do they double down on experience, chase immediate results, or take a calculated risk on a rising coach who could reshape the franchise’s future?
For a team perpetually caught between promise and disappointment, the next coaching decision may be one of the most consequential in Maple Leafs history.
Next: For the First Time Ever Has William Nylander Lost His Confidence?
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