With the Toronto Maple Leafs set to miss the playoffs for the first time since before they drafted Auston Matthews, it seemed like the worst kept secret that dominos would fall following the season. But the firing of general manager Brad Treliving on Monday evening caught lots off guard, including many Maple Leafs players and head coach Craig Berube.

After somewhat of a ‘too little too late’ type of win over the Anaheim Ducks, a 5-4 comeback win in overtime that featured lots of revenge for Matthews, who was taken out by Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas a few weeks ago after a knee on knee hit, Berube addressed reporters regarding his boss’ fate.

“Yeah, it’s difficult,” Berube said when asked about his reaction to the news. “It’s still difficult right now for me, you know, but that’s the business and that’s what happens. We didn’t live up to expectations.”

The Maple Leafs’ bench boss was asked about his view of Treliving’s tenure as general manager, which included hiring him as head coach, and he spoke favourably about what they were able to accomplish in 2024-25 but lamented the way things went this season.

“We like a lot. We were close last year,” Berube continued. “We didn’t succeed, but we were right there. That’s a tough question to be honest with you. I mean, he gave me an opportunity here and I feel like we let him down this year.”

The common theme among Berube and the players was one of accountability. All of them believed that Treliving lost his job because they failed to meet expectations this year and felt that the weight of that fell on the on-ice product. With Berube also on the hot seat, he was asked if he’s thought about his future following the news and insisted that it hasn’t crossed his mind and that he’ll cross that bridge when he gets there.

“I don’t think about it, guys, I really don’t,” Berube said. “You probably think I’m bullshitting you, but I’m not. You know, I feel for Brad right now, and his family. That’s what I feel right now.”

The Maple Leafs have seven games remaining in the 2025-26 season, which feels like a long ripping of the band aid to put an end to what’s been a difficult season on all fronts. MLSE CEO Keith Pelley is set to address the media Tuesday afternoon at 2 pm.

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