What happened: The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Craig Berube, the team announced. Berube spent just two seasons behind Toronto's bench after being hired by former GM Brad Treliving in May 2024.

Why it matters: The dismissal underscores the mounting pressure in one of hockey's most scrutinized markets, where coaching tenures rarely survive playoff disappointment. Berube becomes the latest bench boss to absorb the fallout from Toronto's inability to convert regular-season expectations into postseason results.

What to watch: Attention turns to Toronto's coaching search and whether the front office targets an experienced replacement or a first-time NHL head coach. Roster decisions and offseason direction will hinge on the next hire.