Three Toronto Maple Leafs forwards set for a potential breakout under new head coach Craig Berube

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to find success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite being one of the best teams in the NHL. Much of the blame for the struggles this season was placed on former head coach Sheldon Keefe. As a result, he was fired and eventually replaced by Craig Berube who has a track record of success with the St. Louis Blues winning a Stanley Cup in 2019.

Now with the new bench boss in place, there are three players who are being looked at as prime candidates to make a major step forward in 2024-25. Depth forwards Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann could benefit from a new decision maker while controversial superstar Mitch Marner might be set for a bounce back.

With a new head coach comes a new voice in the locker room, a new system, new lines, and new key players. The 2024-25 season could be a big one for Matthew Knies, Bobby McMann, and Mitch Marner to prove their worth.

First up Matthew Knies is the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs. After being signed out of the University of Minnesota the expectations on Matthew Knies were huge. In his first full season, Matthew Knies tallied 35 points in 80 games including 15 goals. Heading into year 2 a new head coach could look to Matthew Knies to play a top-six role. On top of that Craig Berube likes playing more of a physical style which is something that the 6'3 Matthew Knies could fit into well.

Bobby McMann to this point in his NHL career has been a bottom-six forward who has brought stability to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup. He also is coming off of his first full year in the NHL playing 56 games and having 24 points. With Bobby McMann there is hope that there is more offense underneath as in the past he as put up nearly a point per game in the AHL. He much like Matthew Knies brings size and physicality that many of the other Maple Leafs star players do not which could set him apart.

Finally, there is the much-controversial Mitch Marner. For the majority of the offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs fan base wanted Mitch Marner to be traded. Despite the outcry for a move Mitch Marner remains in Toronto.

Not only will he be in the lineup come opening night but new head coach Craig Berube seems excited to work with Mitch Marner.

In return, Mitch Marner is also excited to be working with a passionate leader like Craig Berube behind the bench.

One thing that is well documented about Craig Berube is his willingness to get on his stars for not putting in enough effort. This means that potentially we could see Mitch Marner get to a whole new level at both ends of the rink if Craig Berube can get through to him.

With the NHL season just a few weeks away we will soon get to see the Toronto Maple Leafs take the ice and the new era of Maple Leafs hockey under Craig Berube will begin.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Three Maple Leafs who will benefit most from having Craig Berube behind the bench