TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Maple Leafs fired coach Craig Berube on Wednesday, John Chayka’s first major move since taking over as general manager following the team finishing last and missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.The move ended Berube’s two-year run with the Maple Leafs. They had 108 points in 2024-25 and reached the second round of the playoffs before struggling this past season.Chayka said the decision was made shortly after he met with Berube.“This was the right decision on the path ahead,” Chayka said at a news conference. “It was a difficult decision. It was not a verdict on Craig’s coaching. I think it stands for itself.”Chayka suggested that Berube hoped to return next season.“I think Craig, his heart’s in it,” Chayka said. “That’s the kind of guy he is. I think he felt like he had a lot of unfinished business, and I think he’s got a lot of great connections with the players here — and it was only a discussion about the path ahead.”
The path ahead is clouded by the uncertain future of captain and top player Auston Matthews, who has two years left on his contract and a full no-movement clause to control his next destination, if he so chooses.
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