NHL.com's laughable ranking for Craig Berube should give him plenty of motivation this season
Photo credit: Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Craig Berube was ranked surprisingly low on NHL.com's list of the top coaches in the NHL, which should give him plenty of fuel to succeed in his first season in Toronto.
The Toronto Maple Leafs had another disappointing season in 2023-24, failing to advance past the 1st round yet again after losing to the Boston Bruins in 7 games.
Despite an impressive regular-season record with the Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe was fired this offseason. Over his five years with Toronto, Keefe amassed a 212-97-40 record, ranking 5th all-time in wins with the team. The Maple Leafs replaced Keefe with former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube, who enters a Toronto market that is eager for playoff success, which could add significant pressure.
According to NHL.com's rankings for the 2024-25 NHL season, Berube is listed as the just 12th-best head coach, despite winning a recent Stanley Cup. While 12th might seem like a modest ranking, it could be ideal for Berube's situation.
Consider this, if Berube were ranked among the top five coaches, the pressure from the demanding Toronto market would intensify. Being ranked 12th indicates respect from the league while potentially lowering expectations.
Additionally, it's worth noting that Berube is still ranked 3 spots ahead of former Leafs coach and current New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, which is just icing on the cake going into the 2024-25 NHL season.
Source: NHL.com
Super 16: Cooper, Maurice top coach power rankings
Super 16: Cooper, Maurice top coach power rankings
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 9 | 208 ANSWERS NHL.com's laughable ranking for Craig Berube should give him plenty of motivation this season Will Craig Berube push the Maple Leafs further in the playoffs than former coach Sheldon Keefe? | ||
| Yes | 195 | 93.8 % |
| No | 13 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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