In a stark assessment of the Toronto Maple Leafs' tumultuous season, columnist Steve Simmons delves into the growing disconnect between head coach Craig Berube and star player Auston Matthews, arguing that a coaching change is inevitable as the team spirals out of playoff contention.
The Unraveling of a Coaching Tenure
Craig Berube, described as a fine man and champion, has found his position increasingly untenable after just two seasons behind the Maple Leafs bench. Simmons notes that while Berube is highly likeable, his tenure has been marred by the team's dramatic decline, making it difficult to envision his return next year. Historically, coaches like Mike Babcock, Ron Wilson, and Randy Carlyle were let go after overstaying their welcome, and even successful figures like Pat Burns and Pat Quinn were dismissed at appropriate times. Berube's case, however, is compounded by the squad's poor performance this season, which has left the organization with few viable options but to seek new leadership.
Matthews' Scoring Plunge Under Berube
The most glaring issue in Berube's coaching stint is the precipitous drop in Auston Matthews' goal-scoring output. In 124 games under Berube, Matthews has netted only 59 goals, translating to a 39-goal pace—a stark contrast to the 94 goals he scored in the previous 124 games, which equated to a 62-goal pace. This represents a 37% decline for the NHL's second-highest paid player. Before Berube's arrival, Matthews was the league's top goal-scorer under coaches like Babcock and Sheldon Keefe. Now, he ranks 24th in the NHL, trailing players such as Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat, none of whom were selected for the U.S. Olympic team. Simmons emphasizes that a head coach's primary role is to maximize the potential of elite players, an area where Berube has evidently failed, contributing to the team's overall collapse.
Broader Team Struggles and Organizational Needs
The Maple Leafs have deteriorated in nearly every aspect this season, prompting calls for a comprehensive overhaul. Simmons suggests that hiring a team president, like Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger, could instill a cut-throat winning mentality at the top. While the Leafs reportedly have no interest in such a move, examples like Cam Neely in Boston and Joe Sakic in Colorado demonstrate the value of strong hockey presidents. In contrast, struggling executives like Jeff Jackson and Stan Bowman in Edmonton highlight the challenges of managing top talent without adequate support, such as a reliable goaltender.
Simmons also addresses the misconception that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment prioritizes profits over victories, pointing out that playoff success directly boosts revenue. Meanwhile, Ken Holland's active first year as GM of the Los Angeles Kings, involving multiple trades and signings, is contrasted with the Leafs' inertia.
NHL and Sports Insights Beyond Hockey
The column expands to critique the NHL's missed opportunities, such as failing to capitalize on Connor Hellebuyck's Olympic MVP status by limiting his media availability. Simmons notes the Leafs' post-Olympic struggles, including an 0-6 record and Matthews' goal drought, underscoring the team's reliance on its top-heavy roster. Comparisons to other NHL duos like McDavid and Draisaitl or MacKinnon and Necas reveal the Leafs' shortcomings in depth and consistency.
Defensive woes are highlighted, with Morgan Rielly ranking last in the NHL for goals against at 5-on-5, followed closely by Oliver Ekman-Larsson. In basketball, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's consistent 30-point seasons are praised, placing him in elite company alongside legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. Baseball's World Baseball Classic and hockey's post-Olympic boost for women's professional leagues also receive attention, illustrating broader sports trends.
Historical Anecdotes and Final Thoughts
Simmons reflects on historical NHL quirks, such as a vetoed trade involving Frank Beaton for a dinner at The Palm steakhouse, and laments the overvaluation of second-round draft picks, noting that only 4 out of 309 selections become stars. He concludes with birthday wishes to sports figures and a nostalgic query about former player Jason Bay, wrapping up a comprehensive analysis that blends hard facts with engaging storytelling.
Overall, Simmons' piece paints a vivid picture of a franchise at a crossroads, where coaching failures, player underperformance, and organizational decisions converge to demand urgent change. The expanded volume ensures all key points are thoroughly explored, providing readers with a detailed and unique perspective on the Maple Leafs' current predicament and the wider sports landscape.
