Peter DeBoer makes his reasons known for contacting under-fire Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube amid replacement buzz

Speculation surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs’ coaching situation had intensified over the stretch of December, but veteran NHL coach Peter DeBoer has reportedly moved quickly to distance himself from any potential replacement talk involving Leafs head coach Craig Berube.

Speaking on the latest episode of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that DeBoer personally took steps to shut down rumors suggesting he could be linked to Toronto should the organization consider a coaching change.

According to Friedman, DeBoer contacted an intermediary to ensure Berube understood that the speculation was unfounded and not something he was fueling or encouraging. After hearing that DeBoer had reached out to reassure Berube, Friedman contacted the veteran coach directly to confirm the story. DeBoer acknowledged the outreach and explained his reasoning.

“And he said, ‘Look, I just want everyone to understand. I've had that happen to me before. I've been in a situation where my job was in jeopardy, or people were rumoring that I was going to be out and this guy was going to take over. And I didn't like being on that end of it, so I didn't want to be on this end of it,’” Friedman reported.

The insider mentioned that he first heard about the situation on Saturday amid growing chatter that DeBoer’s name would naturally surface if Toronto were ever to explore alternatives behind the bench. With DeBoer currently unattached after being dismissed by the Dallas Stars in June following three consecutive Western Conference Final appearances, his availability and experience had made him a frequent subject of league-wide coaching rumors.

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Maple Leafs and Criag Berube are in a ‘decent place’ per Friedman

The timing also comes as the Maple Leafs have shown signs of stabilizing on the ice. Toronto has collected five of a possible six points in its recent stretch and, by Friedman’s account, Berube appeared relaxed and confident when addressing media over the weekend.

The coach even opened his Saturday availability with a lighthearted remark about reporters looking “heavier” after the Christmas break.

“Berube, by the way, his line Saturday morning when we walked in and saw him, he says, ‘You guys all look heavier,’ because it was post-Christmas. It was a really good line,” Friedman added. “So he’s obviously in a decent place. They’ve got five out of the last six points, and they’ve really battled hard.”

Friedman also praised the gesture from Pete DeBoer noting the ex-Stars’ coach’s willingness to publicly confirm the story served a dual purpose. Privately, it helped reassure Berube and calm any internal concerns. Publicly, it reduced speculation by removing DeBoer’s name from the rumor mill, at least in this instance.

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Edited by Anjum Rajonno