From the moment current head coach Craig Berube took over behind the bench, the Toronto Maple Leafs knew they were committing to a different style. It wasn’t just about new faces or trades. As we would soon find out, it was about a system rooted in structure, forechecking intensity and accountability at every level. Now, early in the 2025-26 season, that systemic shift is beginning to show. It shows how Toronto is playing, who’s getting ice time, and how the team’s identity is evolving.
What’s Changed, the Forecheck, Structure & Tempo
Berube’s blueprint emphasizes several key principles, including the following.
- Aggressive forechecking: He wants forwards pressuring pucks hard, winning possession in the offensive zone and creating second-chance opportunities.
- Simplified structure, defensive foundation: The Leafs aren’t abandoning offence. However, they’re now placing equal priority on limiting high-danger chances, quick exits, and disciplined positioning.
- Role clarity and accountability: Whether you’re a star or a depth forward, Berube expects commitment shift after shift. No free passes.
These changes reflect a shift away from a purely “offence-first” identity toward a more balanced, modern approach. An approach that better aligns with playoff requirements.
Early Signs & Structural Indicators
Though the Leafs’ early record of 4-4-1 through their first nine games isn’t dominant, several underlying signs suggest the system is taking hold.
- Offensive Balance: While Toronto lost Mitch Marner (102 points in 2024-25) and could’ve fallen back on pure offence, the new structure has allowed for more varied contributions and an emphasis on sustained zone time over flash plays.
- Forecheck Impact: Berube’s has praise for forwards like Dakota Joshua “are hounders, forecheckers… who will provide energy for us and score some goals.”
- Defensive Metrics: Under Berube last season the Leafs allowed 229 goals (eighth fewest in NHL), compared to 261 the season before. That reduction is key, because to be dangerous offensively, you must also survive defensively.
Why This Identity Shift Matters
In the depth-rich Atlantic Division, where teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers are loaded with skill and speed, Toronto’s previous identity of “skill above structure” left them exposed in playoffs. Additionally, Berube’s system aims to build a team that can win when scoring is tight and the margin for error is razor-thin.
If the Leafs can consistently sustain the forecheck, manage possession, and execute in all zones, they’re no longer just a high-octane offence they become a complete team capable of deep runs.
2025-26 Lineups & Key Player Usage
Forwards:
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1st Line: Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Matias Maccelli
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2nd Line: Bobby McMann – John Tavares – William Nylander
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3rd Line: Nicholas Robertson – Nicolas Roy – Max Domi
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4th Line: Dakota Joshua – Scott Laughton – Steven Lorentz
Defensive Pairings:
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1st Pair: Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo
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2nd Pair: Jake McCabe – Chris Tanev
- 3rd Pair: Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Simon Benoit
Goaltending:
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Starter: Anthony Stolarz
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Backup: Joseph Woll
Forward Lines
1st Line: Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Matias Maccelli
Projected Usage: ~20–22 minutes per game at even strength, plus top power play. Furthermore, Berube will lean on this line to set the game’s tempo with strong forechecking and high-pace zone entries.
Role: Matthews remains the finisher and shot generator. Meanwhile, Knies supplies speed and secondary scoring. Finally, Maccelli, replacing the departed Mitch Marner, is tasked with playmaking under pressure.
System Fit: This line embodies Berube’s emphasis on transition. That idea is that forwards are expected to chip in defensively and be part of quick breakout rushes.
2nd Line: Bobby McMann – John Tavares – William Nylander
Projected Usage: 18–20 minutes per game with moderate second power play deployment. This group gives veteran presence (Tavares), finishing touch (Nylander), and grit (McMann).
Role: Tasked with balanced offence and improved two-way play. Under Berube, Nylander’s defensive accountability becomes more defined. McMann brings size and net-front presence
System Fit: The middle pairing in the forward sheet brings structure while maintaining scoring upside.
3rd Line: Nick Robertson – Nicolas Roy – Max Domi
Projected Usage: 14–17 minutes per game, shift between middle and third-line minutes. This is where Berube expects heavy forechecking and responsible two-way play.
Role: Robertson brings speed and a shot that can get passed any goalie. Moreover, Roy provides physicality and secondary scoring. Domi may rotate here depending on match-ups.
System Fit: This line is critical for sustaining pressure and preventing opponents from gaining offensive momentum.
4th Line Dakota Joshua – Scott Laughton – Steven Lorentz
Projected Usage: 10–13 minutes per game, primarily checking role, top penalty kill duty.
Role: Berube wants this line to be a “shutdown” unit. That means they should be forechecking smartly, limiting turnovers, and killing penalties.
System Fit: Under Berube, depth wins matter. Opponents’ top lines should see less impact when facing this group.
Defensive Pairings
1st Pair: Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo
Projected Usage: 23–24 minutes per game, main first power play quarterback (Rielly) and heavy minutes against opponent top lines.
Role: Rielly drives the offence and power play. Also, Carlo handles the shutdown and physical presence.
System Fit: Berube demands clean breakouts and accountable gap control. Rielly must curtail earlier risks.
2nd Pair: Jake McCabe – Chris Tanev
Projected Usage: 18–20 minutes per game, top PK pairing.
Role: They’ll be leaned on for defensive zone reliability, shot blocking, and limiting high-danger chances.
System Fit: This pair offers structure when the top pair is off. Berube’s trust gives them meaningful minutes.
3rd Pair / Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Simon Benoit
Projected Usage: 14–15 minutes per game, featuring rotational deployment.
Role: Ekman-Larsson will offer puck movement and occasional offence. Benoit will provide mobility and penalty kill support.
System Fit: Balanced depth to support the heavier minutes up front and on top pair.
Goaltending Plan
- Starter: Anthony Stolarz is expected to play 55–60% of games.
- Backup / Emerging: Joseph Woll is expected to share 40–45% of games, with potential to challenge for more if stable.
System Fit: Berube’s structure seeks tighter play in front of goal; the tandem needs to reduce rebound chances and high-danger shots.
Why These Roles Matter
Coach Berube’s system hinges on structured forecheck, smart zone exits, and balanced lines. Proper usage and clear roles—rather than over-hyphenate offence, are key for playoff-style resilience. These lineups reflect:
- Balanced scoring potential (top two lines)
- Forechecking depth lines (third & fourth)
- Defensive structure from blue line pairs
- Goaltending support matching system discipline
If the Leafs execute these roles consistently, they may avoid collapses of previous seasons.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
