Why This Year Might Finally Be Different for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs fans are nothing if not hopeful. After 58 years of heartbreak, that shared sense of disappointment has been cushioned by an enduring, if sometimes fragile, optimism. But maybe—just maybe—this year offers a glimmer of real change.
The current roster has a different feel from past editions, and while the Leafs aren’t a lock to win the Stanley Cup, their chances look better than they have in years.
So why the shift in outlook?
Start with the coaching. Despite an impressive 212-97-40 regular season record, former head coach Sheldon Keefe managed just one playoff series win over five seasons. Enter Craig Berube—a Stanley Cup-winning coach with the St. Louis Blues—who’s brought in a fresh approach and a more structured system.
Under Berube, the Leafs have tightened up defensively, allowing fewer goals compared to last season. Though this has slightly reduced their offensive output, it’s a tradeoff that aligns better with playoff-style hockey, where high-risk, high-reward plays often get neutralized by disciplined, tight-checking opponents.
Berube has also reestablished a sense of trust and accountability within the team. This year’s Leafs have shown resilience time and again, refusing to quit no matter the scoreboard. It’s a notable shift from last season, where it seemed Keefe may have lost some connection with the locker room.
While no guarantees come with the Stanley Cup playoffs, this version of the Toronto Maple Leafs might just be built to finally break through.
