What Happened to Craig Berube?
Craig Berube is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach, known for his physical playing style as an enforcer and for leading the St. Louis Blues to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2019. Most recently, he served as the head coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs from May 2024 until his dismissal on May 13, 2026, after the team missed the playoffs in his second season.
Quick Answer
Craig Berube was most recently the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a position he held from May 2024 until May 13, 2026, when he was fired after the team failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2025-26 season. Prior to his tenure with the Maple Leafs, Berube famously led the St. Louis Blues to their historic first Stanley Cup victory in 2019 as an interim head coach. He has a career NHL head coaching record of 365-252-90 across three teams.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Signed by Philadelphia Flyers
Craig Berube was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers, beginning his professional hockey career.
NHL Debut with Philadelphia Flyers
Berube made his NHL debut with the Flyers, recording 16 penalty minutes in his first game.
Last NHL Game as a Player
Berube played his final NHL game with the Calgary Flames, concluding a 17-season playing career.
Promoted to Flyers NHL Coaching Staff
After serving as head coach for the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms, Berube was promoted to an assistant coaching role with the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers.
Named Head Coach of Philadelphia Flyers
Berube took over as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, succeeding Peter Laviolette.
Fired by Philadelphia Flyers
Berube was dismissed as head coach of the Flyers after two seasons, missing the playoffs in his second year.
Joined St. Louis Blues as Associate Coach
Berube was hired as an associate coach for the St. Louis Blues under head coach Mike Yeo.
Named Interim Head Coach of St. Louis Blues
Berube took over as interim head coach for the St. Louis Blues, who were struggling at the bottom of the league standings.
Won Stanley Cup with St. Louis Blues
Berube led the St. Louis Blues to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship, defeating the Boston Bruins in Game 7.
Named Permanent Head Coach of St. Louis Blues
The Blues removed the 'interim' tag and officially named Berube as their 26th head coach, signing him to a three-year contract.
Signed Contract Extension with St. Louis Blues
Berube signed a three-year contract extension with the St. Louis Blues, keeping him through the 2024-25 season.
Fired by St. Louis Blues
Following a four-game losing streak and a disappointing start to the season, Berube was fired by the St. Louis Blues.
Hired as Head Coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
Berube was appointed the 32nd head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, replacing Sheldon Keefe.
Maple Leafs Win Atlantic Division
In his first season, Berube led the Maple Leafs to win the Atlantic Division title with a 52-26-4 record.
Fired by Toronto Maple Leafs
Berube was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs after the team missed the playoffs in his second season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Craig Berube, nicknamed 'Chief,' had a lengthy NHL playing career spanning 17 seasons, primarily as an enforcer known for his toughness and accumulating 3,149 penalty minutes, ranking him seventh all-time. He played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders, making his NHL debut in 1987. After retiring as a player, Berube transitioned into coaching, starting as a player-assistant coach with the Philadelphia Phantoms in the AHL during the 2003-04 season.
His NHL coaching journey began with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he served as an assistant coach before being named head coach on October 7, 2013. He led the Flyers to the playoffs in his first season (2013-14) but was dismissed after the team missed the postseason the following year. Berube then joined the St. Louis Blues as an associate coach on June 15, 2017. A pivotal moment in his career came on November 21, 2018, when he took over as interim head coach for the Blues, who were in last place in the entire NHL by January 2019. Under his leadership, the team orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, including an 11-game winning streak, culminating in their first-ever Stanley Cup championship on June 12, 2019. He was officially named the 26th head coach of the Blues on June 24, 2019, and received a three-year contract extension on February 9, 2022. However, after a disappointing start to the 2023-24 season, Berube was fired by the Blues on December 12, 2023.
On May 17, 2024, Berube was appointed head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, replacing Sheldon Keefe. In his inaugural season with the Maple Leafs (2024-25), he led the team to a successful regular season, winning the Atlantic Division with a 52-26-4 record. The Maple Leafs advanced to the second round of the 2025 NHL playoffs, defeating the Ottawa Senators in six games before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in a seven-game series. However, the 2025-26 season saw a significant decline, with the Maple Leafs finishing last in their division with a 32-36-14 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. Consequently, on May 13, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they had parted ways with Berube. The decision, according to newly appointed General Manager John Chayka, was described as an "organizational shift and an opportunity for a fresh start" rather than solely an evaluation of Berube's coaching.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Craig Berube made different choices?