NHL analyst floats Craig Berube being fired to “save” the Maple Leafs’ season after a disappointing start

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been struggling through the first part of the season. After 17 games, they sit in sixth place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 8-8-1.

The Leafs started November strong (3-0-0) but have collapsed since then, losing three in a row. Back-to-back defeats to their division rivals, the Boston Bruins, magnified the frustrations, as the team looked disorganized defensively.

If the team’s performance does not improve over the next two or three weeks, management may have to have a serious discussion about replacing head coach Craig Berube.

Sportsnet analyst Nick Kypreos issued a stark warning on Wednesday’s edition of Real Keeper and Born Show (38:00 onwards):

“I think there’s a possibility that if things don’t improve in the next two or three weeks. They’re under pressure to keep trying to salvage this season. You can’t go from ‘it’s time’ to ‘we’ve got it next year’. ‘We’ve got it next year,'” Kyprios said. “Just to win. He scored. It’s registered. He shared. “We will do everything we can at the trade deadline.”

He added:

“We had salary cap issues before. We don’t have it now. Look at the age of our team. It’s time to go.” You have Auston Matthews in his prime. You have William Nylander. I spent it. I’ve given up on the first round next year. I was dropped in the first round the following year. Go time.”

No one would have expected Craig Berube to find himself on the hot seat this early, just 18 months after being named head coach in May 2024. The upcoming games will be crucial for him and the Maple Leafs to get back on track.

Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube shared his thoughts on Nikita Zadorov’s hit on Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews exited Tuesday’s game against the Bruins after suffering a lower-body injury after Nikita Zadorov was hit from behind in the second period.

Matthews was eventually disqualified for the remainder of the match. Berube shared his thoughts on the hit and said Zadorov should have been punished for his actions.

“I think it’s a penalty, personally, but I’m not the referee. I don’t like it. I don’t like the hit. He was in a vulnerable position. There’s nothing I can do about it,” Berube said after the match.

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Los Angeles Kings (8-5-4) at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday. The disc drops at 7 PM ET.