"Plan the parade" "Excellent hire": Fans react to Craig Berube’s appointment as Toronto Maple Leafs new coach

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Craig Berube as their new head coach in club history on Friday, eight days after Sheldon Keefe's firing.

Berude is a former NHL left wing, who started his coaching career with the Philadelphia Flyers and later guided the St. Louis Blues to their first ever Stanley Cup Championship. The “Chief”, as he is known among fans, has, in fact, played for the Leafs during the 1991-92 season. He will now return as a coach to Toronto.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the appointment of their new coach on Friday across the club’s social media handles. Craig Berube will be the 32nd head coach for the Leafs in their club history.

Fans were quick to react to the news and many welcomed the coach with open arms. They were happy with the appointment and commented with optimism about the hire.

Following are some of the fan reactions on X:

“Excellent hire. Bring back some accountability and the Cup.”

“A step in the right direction. A small step, but still. Welcome to Toronto, Craig! #LeafsForever,” wrote one user.

“Plan the parade!” commented another.

Some fans were thrilled with the appointment of Craig Berube as head coach, with some even believing that he could bring the Stanley Cup to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“Perhaps he can win another Cup here,” wrote one fan.

“Save us king,” commented another fan.

Some fans called for a change among the training coaching staff and work on a rebuild.

“Great! Now fire all the other asst coaches, rebuild the coaching staff and then start reading the baggage that can’t handle playoffs. Ready-set-go!” called one fan.

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Craig Berube expected to bring a different coaching style to Toronto

Craig Berube, 58, brings a wealth of experience and a distinct coaching style. Known for his no-nonsense approach, he isn’t afraid to publicly challenge his players, an approach that has helped him secure a Stanley Cup victory in 2019. This directness is seen as a potential game-changer for the Leafs.

Berube’s focus on defensive accountability is expected to shift the team towards a more structured and disciplined style of play. While the Leafs have the offensive talent to outscore opponents, Berube’s tactics for closing out games and preventing blown leads will enhance overall team performance.

Craig Berube will also be looking to change the team’s mindset, making them more competitive, especially in the playoffs. Fans expect this new approach could inspire stars like Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander towards playoffs success.

He now becomes the first former Leafs player to also serve as head coach since Randy Carlyle, having played 40 games for Toronto during the 1991-92 season. Berube will face the media on Tuesday morning, where he will outline his vision for leading the Leafs back to glory.