Leafs Coach Craig Berube Issues Important Challenge to Depth Forwards in Toronto

As the Toronto Maple Leafs' season progresses, we are seeing the typical highs and lows, and while the highs have been fun, the lows certainly need to be dealt with.

After back-to-back losses to the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, the Leafs' record now sits at 16-9-2, marking just their second back-to-back losing streak of the season.

Head coach Craig Berube believes he may have pinpointed the reason behind the team's recent cold stretch.

In a recent interview, as as per Leafslatest on X, Berube addressed the lack of offensive contributions from the Leafs' depth forwards:

While the Leafs' depth has been tested this season with injuries to several key players, many of their depth forwards have not stepped up offensively. However, with Max Pacioretty fully recovered and Max Domi and Jake McCabe returning soon, this issue may resolve itself in the near future.

One bright spot has been rookie forward Fraser Minten, who has impressed since being called up.

Berube has spoken highly of Minten's all-around game, particularly his contributions on both sides of the puck. In just eight games with the Leafs, Minten has accumulated four points.

Despite Minten's strong performance, the offensive production from the bottom six has still been lacking. However, with several injured players nearing a return, there's hope that the problem will soon be addressed internally.