TORONTO — As the Toronto Maple Leafs begin to adapt to life under Craig Berube in the coming weeks, they will soon realize that their new head coach has two essential requirements for players on his roster.
You must put in the effort.
You must compete.
“If players aren’t working hard and competing, there will be issues, OK?” Berube stated on Wednesday at the start of what he hopes will be a training camp focused on establishing the team’s identity.
“In my opinion, that’s unacceptable.”
Emerging from an offseason where management declared that all options were on the table regarding potential changes, Berube represents the most significant shift the team made following yet another first-round playoff exit.
By hiring the candid native of Calahoo, Alta., to take over from Sheldon Keefe, the Leafs have placed their trust in his Stanley Cup credentials and his capability to unite teams.
Those who have worked with or played for Berube will quickly tell you about his ability to make every player on the roster feel just as valued as the star athletes. He is not known for playing mind games and dislikes elaborate formalities; rather, he prefers to confront any ongoing issues directly.
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10 things Maple Leafs fans should know about Craig Berube based on his time with the Blues
For the Leafs, as team president Brendan Shanahan reflected at the beginning of a lengthy season, it may mean that, “I don’t know that it’s going to be smooth every day.”
This uncertainty isn’t unfamiliar for an organization that has gone 1-8 in playoff series since 2017. However, there is a strong belief that a coaching change after nearly five years under Keefe could ignite a breakthrough.
Berube was in charge when the St. Louis Blues made their legendary run to a Stanley Cup title during the 2018-19 season, even after sitting in last place just a couple of months prior. He took over mid-season and helped rebuild players’ confidence while transforming the team into a relentless four-line unit.
He acknowledged that he had never dealt with the level of elite talent he’ll encounter in Toronto during those times in St. Louis. It is anticipated that he will kick off Thursday’s practice sessions with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on one line, William Nylander centering Max Domi on another, and John Tavares leading a third.
While the coach’s aim isn’t to stifle the players’ offensive instincts or discourage scoring attempts, he will set explicit expectations on how they should respond when plays break down or when the puck is turned back at the offensive blue line.
“I’m not here to take the sticks away from these guys, but we need to establish an identity for our style of play,” Berube said. “This means we aim to play a north-south game. We want to be difficult to face. We want to check.”
Though these principles may not be groundbreaking, their correct implementation in Toronto could yield substantial results.
It’s not as if Keefe was oblivious to his team’s weaknesses.
One significant takeaway from the Amazon “All or Nothing” series, which provided unrestricted access to the Leafs throughout the 2020-21 season, was that the former coach pinpointed many issues that surfaced during a playoff failure against the Montreal Canadiens but was unable to resolve them.
Despite the Leafs’ reputation as a team that falters when it matters most in the spring, they have accumulated more regular-season victories than all but the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Carolina Hurricanes over the past five NHL seasons.
Berube’s primary responsibility is to bridge that gap.
One advantage he possesses over his predecessor is a blue line that appears better prepared for the playoff push, especially after the free-agent acquisitions of Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jani Hakanpää. The Leafs also brought in goaltender Anthony Stolarz to share duties with Joseph Woll, following his promising performance last season with the Florida Panthers, and secured veterans Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz on tryouts to potentially enhance the forward lineup.
“I believe we have improved our roster,” said general manager Brad Treliving. “You don’t hit grand slams every day. Sometimes you have to settle for singles and doubles while gradually enhancing your roster. Improvement doesn’t solely come from bringing in a host of new players; internal growth is the most effective way to advance in this league.
“It’s not about simply acquiring a superstar free agent or making numerous trades.”
As the Leafs embark on at least one last attempt with the Core Four, Berube stands as the key figure, with seven months to unify the team before they face the pressure of the playoff crucible once more.
The primary reason why a team built around high-end forwards has struggled in that environment is that goals have oddly and consistently vanished as they reach that point.
Years after the rebuild that assembled this core, it remains an open question whether they can collectively dig deep and persevere when the stakes are highest.
Moreover, can any coach inspire them to do so?
In Berube, players will find a leader who will not sugarcoat situations or leave them uncertain about their standing. He plans to conduct a highly competitive training camp in the upcoming weeks and will not hesitate to use discipline if he observes anyone avoiding the non-negotiables.
“Everyone needs to be held accountable, including me,” he asserted. “It all starts with me, obviously.”
(Photo: Nick Lachance / Getty Images)
Craig Berube’s Non-Negotiables: A New Era for the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leadership of Craig Berube
Craig Berube has established himself as a formidable force in the NHL coaching landscape. Known for his gritty playing style and no-nonsense approach, Berube became a household name after leading the St. Louis Blues to their first Stanley Cup in 2019. His coaching philosophy is rooted in a set of non-negotiables that emphasize discipline, accountability, and teamwork. As he transitions to the Toronto Maple Leafs, these principles could revolutionize the team’s dynamics.
Understanding Berube’s Non-Negotiables
Berube’s non-negotiables are essential to his coaching strategy. They aren’t just buzzwords; they represent a shift in culture that can lead to success on the ice. Here are the key components of his philosophy:
- Work Ethic: Hard work is the foundation of Berube’s coaching style. He demands that players give their all during practices and games.
- Team Accountability: Every player is responsible for their performance. This fosters a culture where teammates can rely on one another.
- Defensive Responsibility: A strong defensive game is critical. Players are expected to prioritize team defense and backcheck effectively.
- Discipline: Penalties can derail a game. Berube emphasizes staying disciplined and minimizing mistakes.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust strategies based on opponents is crucial. Berube encourages players to be flexible on the ice.
The Impact of Berube’s Philosophy on the Maple Leafs
Implementing Berube’s non-negotiables could dramatically alter the Toronto Maple Leafs’ trajectory. Here’s how:
1. Enhanced Team Chemistry
By fostering accountability, players will begin to trust and rely on one another. This can create a more cohesive unit, leading to better performances in high-pressure situations.
2. Improved Defensive Play
With a focus on defensive responsibility, the Maple Leafs could transform their defensive game. This could decrease goals against and improve their overall standings in the league.
3. Increased Work Ethic
As Berube emphasizes hard work, players will be pushed to elevate their game. This might also encourage a competitive practice environment, leading to better overall team performance.
4. Better Discipline
Reducing penalties can provide a significant advantage in tight games. With Berube’s focus on discipline, the team could find more opportunities on the power play.
Practical Tips for Embracing Berube’s Principles
For players and coaching staff alike, understanding and embracing Berube’s philosophy is key to success. Here are some practical tips:
- Set Clear Expectations: Communicate the non-negotiables clearly so that all players understand their roles.
- Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where players feel comfortable discussing their challenges and successes.
- Lead by Example: Coaches and veteran players should model the work ethic and discipline they expect to see.
- Regularly Review Performance: Hold regular meetings to assess team performance and discuss areas for improvement.
Case Studies of Successful Implementation
To fully grasp how Berube’s non-negotiables can lead to success, it’s beneficial to look at case studies from his previous teams.
St. Louis Blues: A Transformation
When Berube took over as head coach of the Blues, the team was struggling. His implementation of strict accountability and a strong defensive mindset transformed them into Stanley Cup champions. The following table outlines key changes during his tenure:
| Aspect | Before Berube | After Berube |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Against Average | 3.19 | 2.49 |
| Win Percentage | 41% | 54% |
| Power Play Percentage | 18% | 25% |
Philadelphia Flyers: Building a Strong Culture
During his time with the Flyers, Berube emphasized work ethic and team discipline, leading them to a playoff appearance. This underlines how his principles can create a competitive environment.
First-Hand Experience: Players Speak Out
Players who have experienced Berube’s coaching often share positive insights. Here are a few quotes from former players:
“Coach Berube taught us the importance of accountability. We knew we had to show up every night.” – Former Blues Player
“His attention to detail in defensive play transformed how we approached each game.” – Former Flyers Player
The Future of the Maple Leafs Under Berube
As Craig Berube takes the helm of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL world watches closely. His non-negotiables could usher in a new era, one focused on resilience, hard work, and winning culture.
Potential Challenges
While the potential for success is high, challenges may arise. Here are some hurdles Berube may face:
- Player Buy-In: Ensuring that all players align with his philosophy may take time.
- Adjusting to New Systems: Players accustomed to a different style may struggle initially with Berube’s demanding approach.
- Media Pressure: The media and fan expectations in Toronto can be intense, adding pressure to succeed quickly.
How the Maple Leafs Can Prepare
To ease the transition, the Maple Leafs could consider the following strategies:
- Pre-Season Training Camps: Organize intensive training camps to instill Berube’s principles early.
- Team-Building Activities: Create opportunities for players to bond and understand the importance of teamwork.
- Incorporate Feedback Mechanisms: Enabling players to voice their thoughts can foster a more inclusive atmosphere.
Conclusion: A Vision for Success
Craig Berube’s arrival at the Toronto Maple Leafs represents a significant opportunity for transformation. By embracing his non-negotiables, the team can unlock its full potential and strive for greatness in the NHL.
