Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube brushes off Brad Marchand’s trash talk amid ongoing series against Panthers

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube dismissed trash talk from notable agitator Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers ahead of the teams' clash in Game 3 of their second-round matchup in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

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During the Maple Leafs' media availability on Friday morning, Berube addressed questions regarding Marchand’s penchant for chirping between whistles. Reporters highlighted a comment from Leafs center Scott Laughton about Marchand’s fondness for trash talk. Berube responded.

“I don't really care. Like, just talk.”

Marchand, one of the most notorious pests in recent memory, has been a thorn in Toronto’s side since his days with the Boston Bruins. However, he has been unsuccessful in getting under the Maple Leafs’ skin this season.

The Panthers acquired Marchand at this year’s trade deadline to bolster their bottom six and add a psychological edge against teams like the Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Marchand’s antics worked against the Lightning but have yet to yield results against the Leafs. It remains to be seen if the Leafs can brush off Marchand and the Panthers' provocations in Game 3 and take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Berube praises Maple Leafs’ young forward ahead of Game 3

Matthew Knies has taken the next step in his career with Toronto this season - Source: Imagn

During his media availability, Berube lauded 22-year-old forward Matthew Knies. In particular, Knies has taken a tremendous step forward this year as a power forward. His size, skill, and strength have been displayed as the Senators and Panthers have had trouble containing him.

When asked about Knies’ presence in the slot, Berube said:

“He's made his living there this year, and he's doing a great job of it, still just on the game winning goal. I mean, he's right to the net front right away, taking the eyes away of the goalie, and he's done an excellent job of it.”

Knies has scored four goals in eight games this season, wreaking havoc in front of the opposition's goal. Both the Panthers and Senators have struggled to corral the 6-foot-3, 220-pound forward.

Berube concluded his thoughts on Knies by declaring:

“And we gotta continue to do that with Bob and net. I mean, we gotta get to the paint on this guy.”

Check out The Chief’s comments from the 12-minute mark onward:

The Maple Leafs have surpassed expectations this season and could be on the verge of exorcising their playoff demons as the club looks poised to take a 3-0 series lead over the Panthers. Both teams will be playing one of the most crucial games of their seasons, so fans can expect a tight-checking game at both ends.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan