NHL analyst floats Craig Berube firing to "salvage" Maple Leafs season after disappointing start

The Toronto Maple Leafs are struggling through the early part of the season. After 17 games, they sit sixth in the Atlantic Division with an 8-8-1 record.

The Leafs started November strong (3-0-0) but have since collapsed, losing three straight. The back-to-back defeats to division rivals, the Boston Bruins have amplified frustrations, with the team looking disorganized defensively.

If the team's performance does not improve over the next two to three weeks, management could be forced to have a serious discussion about replacing head coach Craig Berube.

Sportsnet analyst Nick Kypreos issued a stark warning on Wednesday's edition of the Real Kyper & Bourne show (38:00 onwards):

"I think there's a chance that if things don't improve in the next couple of weeks, three weeks. They're under pressure to still try to salvage this season. You can't go from "It's go time" to "We've got next year." "We've got it next year." Just to win. He's in. He's on record. He's in. "We're going to do whatever we can at the trade deadline," Kypreos said.

He added:

"We had salary cap issues before. We don't now. Look at the age of our team. It's go time." You've got Auston Matthews in his prime. You've got William Nylander. You spent. You gave up your first-rounder next year. You gave up the first-rounder the year next. Go time."

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

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

Auston Matthews exited Tuesday's contest against the Bruins after suffering a lower-body injury following a hit by Nikita Zadorov from behind in the second period.

Matthews was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game. Berube shared his thoughts on the hit and said that Zadorov should have been penalized for his actions.

"I think it is a penalty, personally, but I am not the referee. I don’t like it. I don’t like the hit. He was in a vulnerable position. There is nothing I can do about it," Berube said post-game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the LA Kings (8-5-4) at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta