The Toronto Maple Leafs hired Craig Berube with the expectation that he would instill a new level of accountability, structure, and defensive responsibility. Known for his no-nonsense demeanor and Stanley Cup-winning experience with the St. Louis Blues, Berube was seen as the perfect antidote to the Leafs' perceived lack of grit and playoff success. However, as the 2025-26 season unfolds, the question looms: Why don’t the Maple Leafs consistently look like a Craig Berube team?

Berube's arrival was met with optimism, as he promised a team-first concept, emphasizing communication and accountability. He aimed to build a partnership with his players, ensuring they understood his expectations and where they stood. The focus was to shift from individual brilliance to a cohesive unit, capable of playing a defensively responsible, north-south style of hockey.

However, over 15 games into the season, the Maple Leafs have struggled to establish this identity consistently. While they demonstrate flashes of the desired hard-working mentality, they often fall short of maintaining it throughout the game. This inconsistency has led to them fighting for a wild card spot, a far cry from their Atlantic Division-winning performance last season.

One of the most glaring issues has been the team's defensive play. After ranking among the top 10 in goals against per game last season, they have plummeted to near the bottom of the league. Costly turnovers, poor puck management, and a lack of urgency in the defensive zone have plagued the team. Berube himself has expressed his frustration, stating that the team lacks the necessary mindset and commitment to be a good defensive team.

Goaltending has also been a concern. Anthony Stolarz, who had a stellar first season with Toronto last year, has struggled to replicate that performance. His save percentage has declined, and he has allowed a number of goals that Berube believes he should have stopped.

Offensively, the Maple Leafs can still score goals, leading the league in that department. However, their power play has been abysmal, ranking near the bottom of the league. This is particularly surprising given the wealth of offensive talent on the roster, including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares.

Several factors may contribute to the disconnect between expectations and reality. The absence of key players due to injury, such as Chris Tanev, has undoubtedly impacted the team's defensive stability. The departure of Mitch Marner has also created a void in the lineup, forcing Berube to experiment with different line combinations.

Furthermore, it takes time to instill a new system and culture. Berube is attempting to implement significant changes, and it is natural for there to be growing pains as players adjust to new roles and responsibilities. Some observers suggest that the Leafs appear to be "thinking their way through every play instead of reacting instinctively," indicating that the system hasn't fully clicked yet.

Despite the challenges, there have been positive signs. Berube has shown a willingness to adapt and experiment with his lineup, giving opportunities to players like Stephen Lorentz and Matias Maccelli. He has also praised his players' willingness to embrace his message and put the team first.

Ultimately, it is still early in the season, and there is plenty of time for the Maple Leafs to find their footing and develop the identity that Berube envisions. However, they need to address their defensive deficiencies, improve their special teams, and find a way to play with more consistency and urgency. Only then will they truly start to resemble a Craig Berube team.