The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant change to their coaching staff, dismissing assistant coach Marc Savard. The decision, announced on December 22, 2025, is a direct response to the team's ongoing struggles with its power play unit.
Behind the Coaching Change
Head coach Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs' management concluded that a shift was necessary to address a persistent weakness. Marc Savard, a former NHL star known for his offensive creativity as a player, was tasked with overseeing the power play. Despite high-profile talent on the roster, the unit has failed to meet expectations, ranking among the league's less effective squads with the man advantage. This underperformance has been a glaring issue in a season where special teams often dictate crucial points in the standings.
Timing and Immediate Impact
The timing of the firing, just before the holiday break, signals the organization's urgency to correct course. While no immediate replacement was named in the initial announcement, the search for a new assistant coach is expected to begin swiftly. The Leafs' management is likely looking for a coach with a proven track record of designing and implementing successful power play schemes. The pressure is now on Berube and the remaining staff to stabilize the situation and find a new direction for the team's offensive strategy when up a player.
Looking Ahead for the Leafs
This move underscores the win-now mentality in Toronto. The Maple Leafs possess one of the most skilled groups of forwards in the NHL, making the power play's struggles particularly puzzling and unacceptable to the franchise. The dismissal of Savard is a clear message that accountability extends throughout the organization. Fans and analysts will now watch closely to see if this coaching change provides the spark needed to revitalize the team's performance and leverage their star power more effectively on the ice.
