The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the early stages of adapting to head coach Craig Berube's vision, a transition marked by adjustments to team dynamics and strategic priorities. As the 2025-26 season begins, the team is showing glimpses of the system Berube is implementing, though it's acknowledged that fully integrating these changes will take time.
Berube's blueprint emphasizes a collective performance over individual brilliance, fostering a team that is more physical, with clearly defined roles and greater depth. This shift in focus suggests a departure from relying heavily on star players and instead building a more balanced and resilient roster. NHL analysts have noted that the Maple Leafs are changing their DNA, aiming to construct a team that can overcome past hurdles through strategic adjustments.
Training camp in September 2025 provided a glimpse into how the Maple Leafs' lineup might shape up under Berube. The team announced a 73-player training camp roster, which included 44 forwards, 23 defensemen, and six goaltenders. The on-ice sessions commenced on September 18, with the first pre-season game on September 21 against the Ottawa Senators. By September 20, the roster was reduced by six players as some were sent back to their major junior teams.
Early observations suggest that the Maple Leafs are focusing on key aspects of Berube's system, including discipline, effort, and structure. However, questions have been raised about the team's speed in decision-making and puck movement, which can sometimes bog down under pressure. Despite these early challenges, some players, like Morgan Rielly, appear rejuvenated under the new structure, showing a more engaged and balanced approach.
The Maple Leafs have made some changes to the team. Mitch Marner's departure marks the beginning of a new era. The team is betting on the team’s collective performance instead of individual flashes. The team will have more physical weight, greater depth, and specialized roles.
According to analysts, Berube knows how to use specific player profiles to alleviate the top line's load and distribute responsibilities. They also believe that the Leafs could neutralize specific threats and reduce dependence on a single star by reducing its hyper-concentrated role.
The team’s official lineup began to take shape at training camp. Although there were still three preseason games left, a clearer idea of what the team would look like when Craig Berube puts out the first lineup of the season come October was forming. The competition was intense during camp, with certain players making a strong push to make the team and some pleasant surprises from secondary players.
While it's still early in the season, the Maple Leafs are actively working to integrate Berube's blueprint. The success of this transition will depend on the team's ability to fully embrace the new system, improve their decision-making speed, and develop a cohesive playing style that leverages their enhanced depth and physicality. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Maple Leafs can effectively translate Berube's vision into consistent on-ice results.
