Former NHL player Keith Tkachuk views Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube in high regard.

Tkachuk made an appearance on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill on Thursday in anticipation of the upcoming game against the Florida Panthers. Tkachuk gave Berube a huge vote of confidence ahead of the pivotal Atlantic Division matchup.

“ Having Chief on the bench brings a lot of respect to your team,” Tkachuk said. “I see what he did in St. Louis. He treats everybody the same,  he wants you to play hard, north-south hockey, physical, and he’s going to do that. He’s a guy you honestly don’t want to let down and guys love playing for him.  I’m happy for Chief. I’m not going to be rooting for him tonight, but he’s a great friend and a great guy. Wish him nothing but the best.”

Getting a seal of approval from one of the best players in the history of the league is the kind of reminder that highlights that the Leafs are lucky to have the former enforcer manning the bench. To Berube’s credit, he has put the team in prime position to try and capture their first proper division title since 2000. One of the reasons is the strong goalie tandem that they have assembled with Thursday’s projected starter Anthony Stolarz leading the charge.

“ He was unreal last year for Florida. I mean, he’s big, he understood what his role was last year, and I think he gave him confidence,” Tkachuk said about Stolarz. “ Going to Toronto, he’s going to bring that winning experience and winning environment and help out. Between him and Joseph [Woll], you ride the guy that’s hot and [Stolarz]’s been there before. He’s been put in situations where they needed them and being a backup, I think everybody knows you kind of get the crappy games, the back-to-backs, the tough scheduling. He did a great job before last year and you got to love the size.”

Another player who has played a major role in the success of the Leafs is Matthew Knies, who is in the midst of a breakout season. After spending the past season adjusting to the grind of an 82-game season, the winger has grown more comfortable and has emerged as one of the team’s core pieces.

Tkachuk has been keeping an eye on Knies’ development since his time with the  University of Minnesota and feels that the 22-year-old will benefit a lot from having Berube as his coach.

“ He’s got the skating, he’s got the skill, and he’s a physical specimen.  To see him use his frame to fight for space and to play with great players, he knows what his role is,” he said. “ Seeing him scrap, I don’t know, was it a week ago or something against Vegas, whatever it was, he did a good job. I think he’s only going to get better, sky’s the limit for him.”

This crucial game that has major standing implications will be a good chance for the Leafs to test themselves against the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Tkachuk knows well that his son, Matthew, will not take any opponent lightly because the Panthers remain a primary threat to go on another deep run this spring, despite currently being ravaged by injuries.