John Chayka can win over Maple Leafs fans immediately and firing Craig Berube is the fastest way to do it
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The next general manager firing Craig Berube may be the bold move that leaves a major first impression on fans.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have not named a general manager as of yet, and a decision isn't expected to be ready, but reports indicate Toronto has zeroed in on former Coyotes GM John Chayka.
While Chayka is one of the bigger question marks in the Leafs GM search, one thing could make Chayka quickly a dominating figure, and that's the firing of head coach Craig Berube.
The 36-year-old has come with baggage, including his messy exit from Arizona and a relative lack of hockey related experience, but still holds respect as an analytically savvy manager.
Berube had every resource available and still produced the worst Maple Leafs season in a decade
This past season was the worst season of the Auston Matthews era, and it's in part an indictment of Craig Berube, now the face of the Leafs lost season with Brad Treliving out the door as GM.
Berube has some reason to deflect blame, with injuries to key players consistently a foil to the club, including to Auston Matthews, but the team lost even when at near full health in ways that injuries can't be blamed.
Defenseman Troy Stecher laid out the team's low point during their eight-game losing streak after returning from the Olympics, crashing even further following what was meant to be a reset.
However, there is reason to think Berube could be back. For one, Toronto has not signaled abandoning their physical style of play from last season, and that could keep Berube around for next season, but not guarantee his job security.
Keeping Craig Berube as the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach, to some, signals the Leafs aren't committed to a full change, something needed.
Woodcroft and Malhotra represent exactly the modern coaching profile Chayka needs beside him to make this rebuild work
The question is if Craig Berube needs to go. On the one hand, Berube has a case to at least start the Leafs season in charge and prove injuries, not his coaching style, caused the team's failure to make the postseason.
If Berube is let go, one popular name is Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra. A former Leafs coach, Malhotra is a highly coveted coaching option, but his parent club Vancouver could be in the coaching hunt and Malhotra would be their top option.
Another option being considered is Anaheim Ducks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft. Connor McDavid's best season came under Woodcroft, someone who would be hoped can repeat that magic with Auston Matthews.
Until the Leafs hire a head coach, the future of Craig Berube won't get any further clarity, but Leafs fans are hoping once the next GM is hired, Berube's status is more than confirmed.
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