What to Expect from New Maple Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube
Introduction:
The Toronto Maple Leafs have recently hired Craig Berube as their new head coach. As someone who covered Berube during his time with the St. Louis Blues, I can provide insight into what fans can expect from him. Having witnessed his journey from winning the Stanley Cup in 2019 to being fired in December, I can offer a comprehensive preview of Berube’s coaching style and approach.
1. Instilling Confidence:
When Berube took over as interim coach for the Blues, the team lacked confidence. His first priority was to reinstate that belief in the players. He held meetings and constantly reminded them that he believed in their abilities. Former Blues winger, Pat Maroon, shared how Berube’s motivational tactics played a crucial role in the team’s turnaround.
2. Effective Communication:
Berube excels at communication. He takes the time to have individual conversations with players and provides specific feedback to help them improve. Hall of Famer Larry Robinson praised Berube’s communication skills, emphasizing that he addresses issues promptly and ensures a healthy team dynamic.
3. Blue-Collar Mentality:
Berube’s background as an enforcer in the NHL has earned him instant respect from his players. His experience allows him to understand their perspectives and creates a sense of camaraderie. Defenseman Torey Krug highlighted how every player loves to play for Berube because they know he would go into battle with them.
4. Knowledge of the Game:
Despite his reputation as a physical player, Berube possesses a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies. During his playing career, he observed tactics closely and learned how to make adjustments. Coaches like Ken Hitchcock have praised Berube’s ability to identify necessary changes and improve team performance.
5. Calm Demeanor:
Contrary to expectations, Berube maintains a calm demeanor even in high-pressure situations. After a controversial loss in the 2019 Western Conference final, Berube urged his players to focus on the next game rather than dwelling on the past. His ability to remain composed and motivate the team led them to win the series and advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
6. Dry Humor:
Berube’s personality is often characterized by dry humor. While he may not be the most animated coach during postgame conferences, he occasionally delivers one-liners that leave an impact and showcase his wit.
7. Player Accountability:
Berube does not publicly criticize his players but holds them accountable behind closed doors. When goalie Jordan Binnington displayed unsportsmanlike behavior during a game, Berube addressed the issue directly and emphasized the importance of focusing on the game itself. His approach demonstrates a balance between protecting his players and ensuring they adhere to professional standards.
8. Coaching Skilled Players:
Despite his reputation for favoring physicality, Berube has proven his ability to coach skilled players effectively. In St. Louis, he successfully integrated players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, who thrived in a rush-oriented system. Leafs fans can expect Berube to prioritize defensive responsibility while still allowing offensive talent to flourish.
9. The Real Reason for His Firing:
Berube’s departure from the Blues was not solely due to his coaching abilities. The team’s roster had limitations due to long-term contracts and no-trade clauses, making it difficult to maintain a competitive edge. While interim coach Drew Bannister achieved success with the same group, Berube’s firing was more a result of roster constraints rather than his coaching competence.
Conclusion:
Maple Leafs fans can expect Craig Berube to bring a combination of confidence, effective communication, and a blue-collar mentality to their team. Despite his enforcer background, Berube possesses a deep understanding of the game and can adapt his coaching style to suit skilled players. His calm demeanor and dry humor provide a unique coaching approach that both motivates and engages players. While his time with the St. Louis Blues had its ups and downs, Berube’s overall coaching ability remains solid, offering the Maple Leafs a quality coach to lead them in their pursuit of success.