Blade of Steel has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
Elliotte Friedman warns "consequences" are coming for Craig Berube & the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube did not sound happy after last night's game, and Elliotte Friedman doesn't seem convinced about his future.
Craig Berube was upset with his Toronto Maple Leafs last night as they put in a truly pitiful effort against the Washington Capitals, resulting in a 4-0 loss.
The Leafs are now just one point out of last place in the Atlantic Division standings, and it feels like it will take a small miracle for this team to get into a playoff spot.
Overall, the entire team looks bad right now, and it feels as though some players have given up on Berube and his defense-first system.
Elliotte Friedman on the Maple Leafs and Craig Berube
During today's episode of '32 Thoughts,' Elliotte Friedman had some interesting comments about the Leafs, Berube, and some of the comments from last night.
Friedman on 32 Thoughts says with the way last nights game unfolded and with the way Berube spoke postgame, Toronto is headed towards some very uncomfortable conversations if they don't sort this out.
If this season doesn't turn around, it's the kind of season with consequences.
If this season doesn't turn around, it's the kind of season with consequences.
One has to wonder what these "consequences" are. Reading between the lines, it feels as though Berube's job is on the line right now, especially if he has lost the locker room.
Once you lose the locker room, it's over. However, Friedman could also simply be talking about the makeup of this team. Perhaps William Nylander and Auston Matthews get sent packing if they continue this poor effort.
Would the Maple Leafs fire Craig Berube?
Whatever the case may be, things are not looking good for the Toronto Maple Leafs right now, and one has to wonder if Berube would really be fired.
During the offseason, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley made it clear that Berube would have more influence in the organization going forward. Now, it's hard to believe that is true.
This Leafs team needs some accountability, and they also need a system that they can believe in. With Auston Matthews playing the worst offensive hockey of his career, maybe Berube truly is the problem.