Craig Berube Criticizes Maple Leafs Forward After Dismal Start to Season

Following a disappointing start to the 2024-2025 NHL season, St. Louis Blues head coach  Craig Berube didn’t hold back when discussing the lackluster performance of a key Toronto Maple Leafs forward. In a post-game interview after the Blues’ victory over Toronto, Berube was candid in his assessment of the Maple Leafs’ struggles, particularly focusing on their top-line forward, whose name was not directly mentioned but was clearly implied by the coach’s remarks.

Berube’s frustration stems from the star player’s failure to make a significant impact in the early weeks of the season. “For a guy who’s supposed to be a leader and drive play, he’s just not doing enough out there,” Berube said. “You expect more from players at that level—whether it’s being aggressive on the puck, making smart plays, or just showing the kind of effort needed to win in this league.

The unnamed forward, who has been a consistent performer for the Leafs in recent seasons, has struggled to find his form, recording just a handful of points and showing a noticeable drop in his defensive play. With Toronto facing pressure to turn things around after a lackluster start to their campaign, the criticism from an opposing coach like Berube has added fuel to the ongoing conversation about the team’s performance.

Berube’s comments come at a time when the Maple Leafs are facing scrutiny from both fans and media, as they look to rebound and live up to their high expectations in what has been a challenging season so far. Toronto will need its star players to step up if they hope to reverse their fortunes and compete in the tough Atlantic Division.