For the first time since 2016, the same year in which they would select future team captain Auston Matthews with the first overall pick in the NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs will not be participants in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Not only did the club suffer multiple injuries to key players, but they also had difficulty adjusting to life without former top forward Mitch Marner, who was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights last offseason in a major sign and trade move.
Their regular season schedule comes to a close on Wednesday evening against the Ottawa Senators, who are playoff bound for the second straight season; in fact, the Maple Leafs overcame the Senators last spring in the opening round of the playoffs for just their second postseason series victory since 2004.
But this year, they’ll have to watch everything from home rather than taking part themselves.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Understand That Their Fans Are Frustrated
There is perhaps no market in the NHL with a heavier media presence than Toronto, and the fan base is as demanding as it gets. Of course, that stems from the passion that the fans have for their franchise, wanting badly for them to succeed.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, who has faced questions about his job scrutiny in recent weeks, acknowledged the passionate fan support in the market known for being one of the most intense in professional sports.
“The support in Toronto is fabulous,” Berube said. “It’s been fabulous as long as I can remember. It’s going to continue to be fabulous. It’s a great hockey market. It is a great sports town. The fans are awesome here.”
“I talk about it all the time: This is a special place.”
What Is Craig Berube’s Job Security As Head Coach Of The Maple Leafs?
Because the Maple Leafs will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, there are natural questions surrounding the future of Berube behind the Maple Leafs’ bench.
He was hired in the 2024 offseason to bring a new level of accountability for a franchise looking to take the next step, and it appeared to be the perfect hire after they enjoyed another strong regular season and, as previously mentioned, defeated the Ottawa Senators in the opening round of the playoffs.
However, doubts were creeping in when the Maple Leafs lost yet another Game 7 on home ice in the following round, and their struggles this season only intensified those doubts.
Regardless, Berube expressed his love for the game of hockey and serving as a head coach.
“This is what I like to do. Obviously, I love doing it, and it’s been my life — whether we’re in the playoffs, out of the playoffs,” Berube said about his job security.
“I get it,” he continued. “And there’s all this uncertainty. I mean, this is what I do. And I come to the rink with the same attitude. That’s the truth. I come with the same attitude every day, and I coach them the same way.”
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