Former NHL enforcer and Stanley Cup-winning coach Craig Berube has remained one of hockey’s most talked-about figures thanks to his hard-nosed coaching style, NHL success, and recent headlines surrounding his firing in Toronto. From his time with the Philadelphia Flyers to leading the St. Louis Blues to a historic Stanley Cup championship, Berube has built a reputation as one of hockey’s toughest leaders.
Craig Berube Fired: Why Toronto Moved On
In May 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially fired Craig Berube after just two seasons behind the bench. The move came after Toronto missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17 and finished near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Berube finished his Toronto tenure with an 84-62-18 coaching record. Despite a strong first season that produced 108 points, the Maple Leafs struggled badly in 2025-26 and collapsed late in the year. Reports indicated the organization wanted a “fresh start” under new management.
The firing sparked major debate across hockey communities. Many fans on Reddit argued Berube’s physical, defense-first system did not fit Toronto’s skill-heavy roster. Others blamed roster construction rather than coaching.
Before Toronto, Berube was also dismissed by the St. Louis Blues in December 2023 after a slow start to the season.
Craig Berube Injury Update
Berube made headlines in early 2026 after suffering a frightening gym accident that left him with a deep forehead cut and facial bruising. The injury required stitches, but he continued coaching shortly afterward and joked with reporters about the incident.
Although the injury looked serious, Berube confirmed he was fine and remained behind the bench for Toronto games. The incident also reminded fans of his rugged playing style during his NHL career, where he accumulated more than 3,000 penalty minutes.
Craig Berube Coaching Record
Berube has coached several NHL franchises and owns one of the more respected résumés among modern NHL coaches.
NHL Coaching Record
| Team | Years | Regular Season Record | Playoff Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Flyers | 2013–2015 | 75-58-28 | 3-4 |
| St. Louis Blues | 2018–2023 | 206-132-44 | Stanley Cup Champion |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 2024–2026 | 84-62-18 | 7-6 |
Combined NHL coaching totals place Berube among the league’s more successful active-era coaches with more than 365 career wins.
His greatest accomplishment came in 2019 when he guided the Blues from last place in January to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship.
Craig Berube and the Flyers
Long before his success in St. Louis, Berube had deep roots with the Philadelphia Flyers organization. He played for the Flyers during his NHL career and later returned as an assistant coach before becoming head coach in 2013.
Philadelphia promoted Berube after firing Peter Laviolette early in the 2013-14 season. In his first year, he helped the Flyers reach the playoffs, but the team struggled to maintain consistency afterward. The Flyers fired him in April 2015 following a disappointing season.
Even after his departure, Berube remained popular among Flyers fans because of his toughness and connection to the franchise’s traditional identity.
Berube’s Legacy in the NHL
Craig Berube’s coaching legacy is defined by accountability, physical play, and resilience. While critics question whether his demanding style fits today’s speed-focused NHL, few can deny his impact on teams like the Blues, who captured a historic championship under his leadership.
At 60 years old, Berube still remains a respected name around hockey circles, and many believe another NHL opportunity could arrive soon after his departure from Toronto.
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