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Peter DeBoer sends a strong message to Craig Berube amid Maple Leafs rumors


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Alexander Cole
December 28, 2025  (9:40)
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Sep 26, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer yells to his team during the third period of the game between the Dallas Stars and the St. Louis Blues at the American Airlines Center.
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

For weeks, there have been rumors that Peter DeBoer could replace Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, and now, the record is being set straight.

Craig Berube has been on the hot seat this season, especially with the Toronto Maple Leafs struggling to get into a playoff spot.
Last week, it felt as though Berube was a lock to get fired. Instead, the team decided to get rid of assistant coach Marc Savard.
In the midst of these rumors, there has been a sense that the Leafs would replace Berube with former Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer.
The reporting suggests DeBoer is not interested in the position. In fact, Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell last night, claiming that DeBoer even reached out to Berube.

Peter DeBoer reaches out to Craig Berube

As Friedman explains, DeBoer simply wanted to reassure Berube that he had no interest in taking the job and that he was not in contact with the Leafs organization.
He also demonstrated some solidarity, explaining that he has gone through similar situations, and it is all part of being a coach in the NHL.
Former Stars head coach Pete DeBoer reportedly reached out to Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube to address the team's struggles last week. DeBoer wanted to clarify that, despite speculation linking him to the Leafs' coaching vacancy, he had no interest in getting involved. He sent a note through a friend to make it clear he wasn't pursuing the role.

DeBoer, explained that he had been on the other side of similar situations before and didn't enjoy it. Essentially, DeBoer wanted to reassure Berube that any rumors about him replacing the Leafs coach were false.

Quite frankly, this is all a bit embarrassing for the Maple Leafs franchise. Clearly, the narrative has gotten completely out of hand as of late.
Whether or not this is something the Leafs can figure out going forward still remains to be seen, although after two wins in a row, Berube is safe.
If the Leafs can defeat the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, that will certainly give Berube a bit more wiggle room.
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DECEMBRE 28   |   327 ANSWERS
Peter DeBoer sends a strong message to Craig Berube amid Maple Leafs rumors

Do you believe it was appropriate for Peter DeBoer to reach out to Craig Berube?

YES25076.5 %
NO7723.5 %
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