Toronto, ON — May 20, 2025
Just days into his new role as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Craig Berube has addressed the elephant in the room: the uncertain futures of star forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares. In his first media availability since being named the 41st head coach in franchise history, Berube offered candid, if carefully worded, remarks about two of the most polarizing figures in Toronto’s offseason storyline.
“This is a team with great players, and Mitch and John are obviously a big part of that,” Berube said during Monday’s press conference at Scotiabank Arena. “There are decisions that need to be made, but my job right now is to get to know these guys, understand where they’re at mentally and physically, and work with management to figure out what’s best for the team.”
Berube, a Stanley Cup-winning coach with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, steps into a high-pressure role after the Maple Leafs parted ways with Sheldon Keefe following another early playoff exit. Despite boasting elite talent, the Leafs have consistently failed to advance beyond the second round during the Marner-Matthews-Tavares era, prompting growing frustration among fans and mounting pressure on general manager Brad Treliving to shake up the core.
Of that core, Marner and Tavares are the most likely to be moved. Marner, entering the final year of his six-year, $65 million contract, holds a full no-movement clause. Tavares, the team captain, is also entering the final year of his seven-year, $77 million deal with the same clause in place. Both players underperformed during the 2025 playoffs, leading to intense speculation about their roles moving forward.
“I haven’t had long conversations with them yet, but I will,” Berube said. “My job is to be honest with players, to be demanding but fair. We want guys who are going to compete every night, every shift. That’s the standard.”
Berube’s comments, while diplomatic, signal a potential philosophical shift in Toronto’s approach — from skilled, high-flying offense to a more hard-nosed, defensive-minded brand of hockey that emphasizes accountability. That style worked for him in St. Louis, and it’s a culture he’s aiming to instill in Toronto.
“Mitch is a tremendously talented player, and so is John,” Berube continued. “But talent alone doesn’t win. We need buy-in. We need guys committed to doing what it takes to win — blocking shots, backchecking, doing the dirty work. That’s what playoff hockey is.”
For Maple Leafs management, Berube’s arrival provides a new lens through which to evaluate roster decisions. While Treliving has remained tight-lipped on specific trade talks, sources within the organization suggest the Leafs are open to exploring all options, including potential deals involving Marner if a high-impact return becomes available.
Tavares presents a more complicated case. As a hometown star and team captain, moving him would be both emotionally and contractually difficult. Still, there is an internal debate about whether his declining speed and production warrant a reduced role or even a buyout, should a trade prove impossible.
“I respect what John’s done in this league, and I respect what he means to this city,” Berube said. “But I have to coach this team with the goal of winning. That means putting guys in roles where they can succeed — and where the team can succeed.”
Fans and analysts alike are split on the best course of action. Some argue that it’s time to finally break up the “Core Four” of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Marner, and Tavares, which has failed to deliver consistent postseason success. Others believe that Berube’s coaching style may be exactly what’s needed to unlock their full potential.
In the meantime, Berube is focused on building relationships, evaluating the current roster, and preparing for the NHL Draft and free agency.
“We’ve got work to do. I’m not going to make any guarantees or predictions,” he said. “What I will say is, we’re going to be a team that’s tough to play against. We’re going to compete. And we’re going to do everything we can to bring a Cup back to Toronto.”
With major decisions looming and expectations sky-high, the Maple Leafs’ offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory. And with Berube now steering the bench, all eyes are on what comes next for Mitch Marner, John Tavares — and the franchise that’s still chasing its first Stanley Cup since 1967.
