{"id":476887,"date":"2025-10-28T17:14:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T21:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=476887"},"modified":"2025-10-28T17:14:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T21:14:34","slug":"head-coach-craig-berube-impact-toronto-maple-leafs-new-identity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/10\/28\/head-coach-craig-berube-impact-toronto-maple-leafs-new-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"Craig Berube\u2019s Impact and the Toronto Maple Leafs New Identity"},"content":{"rendered":"

From the moment current head coach Craig Berube<\/a> took over behind the bench, the Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> knew they were committing to a different style. It wasn\u2019t 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\u2019s getting ice time, and how the team\u2019s identity is evolving.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Changed, the Forecheck, Structure & Tempo<\/h2>\n

Berube\u2019s blueprint emphasizes several key principles, including the following.<\/p>\n