In a bold move that’s sure to spark debate, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving has thrown his full support behind head coach Craig Berube, despite the team’s recent struggles. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this unwavering backing a sign of confidence or a risky gamble that could backfire if the team’s performance doesn’t turn around soon?**
The announcement came just a day after assistant coach Marc Savard was let go, with the Maple Leafs sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings ahead of their Tuesday afternoon game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Treliving was quick to address rumors of a rift between himself and Berube, stating emphatically, ‘I support Craig fully. There’s no disconnect between us. We all need to step up our game.’
The team’s recent performance has been less than stellar, losing three straight games on a road trip where they were outscored 14-4 by the Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators, and Dallas Stars. Their record in the last six games stands at a disappointing 1-4-1, with their sole win coming on December 16 against the Chicago Blackhawks in a thrilling 3-2 comeback. And this is the part most people miss: despite their struggles, the Maple Leafs are only six points behind the New Jersey Devils for the second wild card spot in the East, though they’d need to leapfrog eight teams to secure it.
When asked if his support for Berube is conditional on immediate improvement, Treliving sidestepped hypotheticals, focusing instead on the need for collective effort. ‘We have a good coach, but we all have to do better. We’re not ignoring where we are—we live it every day. We’re making tweaks, banding together, and seeking solutions as a team,’ he explained. Here’s the kicker: while Treliving acknowledges the need for change, he’s not pointing fingers solely at Savard, emphasizing shared responsibility. ‘It’s not just about one person. We all need to improve,’ he added.
For now, assistant coach Derek Lalonde will take the reins of the power play unit, though Treliving hasn’t ruled out hiring a new assistant down the line. The Maple Leafs’ power play has been abysmal this season, ranking dead last in the NHL at 13.3 percent, including an 0-for-10 drought in their last three games. This is a stark contrast to last season’s performance, where they tied for eighth at 24.8 percent.
The absence of Mitch Marner, who led the team with 33 power-play points last season before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, has been felt deeply. Forwards Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares have combined for just 15 power-play points this season, a significant drop-off. ‘The power play has cost us points, no doubt, but it’s not the only issue,’ Treliving noted.
The Maple Leafs’ recent struggles are particularly striking given their success last season, when they won the Atlantic Division and extended their playoff streak to nine consecutive seasons. Treliving remains optimistic, stating, ‘We’re not giving up on this season.’
Controversial question for the audience: Is Treliving’s unwavering support for Berube a smart move to stabilize the team, or is it a stubborn refusal to acknowledge that a coaching change might be necessary? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!**
