Former Winnipeg Jets Captain Makes Surprising Admission About the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Bruce Fedyck, USA TODAY Sports
Former Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler has made a surprising admission about the new Craig Berube-led Toronto Maple Leafs during a recent podcast appearance.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs once again fell short in the postseason, they showed significant progress in their first season under head coach Craig Berube.
The Leafs finished atop the Atlantic Division for the first time, earning 108 points. They also pushed the Florida Panthers to seven games in the second round - their deepest playoff run in over 20 years.
Berube's influence has clearly reshaped the team's identity for the better. Speaking on the Leafs Morning Take Podcast, former NHL captain Blake Wheeler shared his thoughts on Berube's impact, as highlighted by The Leafs Nation on X:
"I don't think there's any question. Everything you hear about him around the league is that his players just love playing for him... The most important thing for a head coach is that [players] bought into your system, what you're selling. That team looks like they were bought in."
Wheeler has not officially retired from the NHL but did not play this past season. His last appearance was with the New York Rangers, following a long stint as captain of the Jets.
Berube has built a reputation for holding players accountable, emphasizing physicality, defensive structure, and honest communication. While he keeps some of his strategy close to the chest, he's respected for his openness with the media and direct approach behind the bench.
With Marner as good as gone next season, the Leafs will have significant cap space available. Berube is now expected to play a more active role in shaping the roster alongside Brad Treliving, targeting players who fit his demanding, playoff-ready style of hockey.
If Toronto continues to build around Berube's system, they may finally be setting the stage for a Stanley Cup run -- though it's not exactly easy to be optimistic at the moment.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 6591 ANSWERS Former Winnipeg Jets Captain Makes Surprising Admission About the Maple Leafs Will the Maple Leafs win a Stanley Cup with Craig Berube as head coach? | ||
| Yes | 4333 | 65.7 % |
| No | 2258 | 34.3 % |
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