It’s no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been bad this season. They sit at 15-13-5 and seventh in the Atlantic Division, far below expectations. Thursday night’s 4–0 loss to the Washington Capitals only added fuel to the fire. The Leafs looked lifeless, flat, and uninterested, and frustration has fully taken over the fanbase. From players to coaches to management, everything this organization says or does is now under a microscope.
Berube Out of Answers
After the embarrassing loss in Washington, Craig Berube looked like a coach running out of options. He had no real answers for the lack of effort and urgency shown by his team, especially given where they sit in the standings. At one point, Berube told reporters to “ask them” when questioned about the players’ (lack of) commitment. For a team that entered the season with high expectations, it raises a serious question. That question being where does this group go from here?
The Problem Starts at the Top
This situation starts with general manager Brad Treliving. Simply put, he has done a poor job building this roster. Outside of Dakota Joshua , who has cooled off lately, most of his offseason additions have not worked. Treliving has also burned through draft capital and prospects at an alarming rate.
The Brandon Carlo trade stands out as a major failure. The Leafs sent a first-round pick and Fraser Minten , their second-best prospect at the time, to Boston. When Carlo has been healthy, he has not come close to meeting expectations and looks nothing like the player he was with the Bruins.
Scott Laughton has been serviceable, but the cost to acquire him was far too high. Toronto gave up a first-round pick and prospect Nikita Grebenkin for a player now centering the fourth line. That simply isn’t good value. As a result of these moves, the Leafs won’t have a first-round pick until 2028. That lack of flexibility limits their options now and in the future.
Players Wearing the Blame
The players deserve plenty of criticism as well. It looks like the message from Berube has gone in one ear and out the other. I do believe this group wants to win, but their effort and passion on the ice tell a different story. Everyone has bad nights, but when the entire lineup looks off game after game, it points to a bigger issue.
Leadership has to step up. To the public’s knowledge, there hasn’t been a players-only meeting. That raises questions about accountability in the room and whether Auston Matthews is ready to take control in that way.
Berube Isn’t the First Problem
While Berube shares some blame, firing him would be a mistake. He’s a proven NHL coach with a Stanley Cup on his résumé. That said, he needs answers and fast. If the Leafs don’t respond soon, the season will slip away.
The Maple Leafs can still salvage this season, but time is running out. They need better effort, more urgency, and real accountability. If that doesn’t happen quickly, changes will be inevitable, whether that means the coach, the general manager, or committing to a full rebuild. One way or another, decisions are coming, and they can’t be delayed much longer.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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