The Toronto Maple Leafs introduced Craig Berube as the team's new head coach today and he was quick to throw shade at Sheldon Keefe as he took over the position.
Berube was confirmed to be the next head coach of the Leafs a few days ago, but today the team made it official as they held their introductory press conference for the new coach.
Brad Treliving introduces Craig Berube as the 32nd head coach in Toronto Maple Leafs history. 👏
The press conference touch on all the things one would expect for such an event. However, they also talked about some non-traditional talking points, such as the time Brendan Shanahan dropped the gloves with Berube when they played together in the show. For many fans, that was likely a highlight of the event.
That being said, most of the time was dedicated to business as usual. During his first official comments as Leafs head coach, Berube emphasized a need for his players to out-work their opponents, regardless of skill level.
"We don't want to be out-worked - ever. It's all about the team. Everybody's important, everybody has to be used, they all have roles. We want to play a north game, be fast, be a heavy team. Not running guys and fighting, but you have to be strong and win puck battles."
Many fans have interpreted this as a direct shot at Sheldon Keefe, who wasn't seemingly able to get the most out of his players when it mattered the most. This was especially the case with Mitch Marner, who received a lot of criticism for his perceived effort level in the playoffs this year, highlighted by the play than ended the team's season.
If you can sit here and defend Mitch Marner for how he played tonight then you need a smack in the head. I'm so tired of people defending this garbage playoff player. Guy asks for Matthews' money when he shows this kind of effort? GET OFF MY TEAM
Hopefully, Berube will be able to get a more consistent effort level from his players in the future. That being said, this summer should be eventful for the Leafs as the team looks to finalize the roster Berube will have to work with starting next season.