Date: November 18, 2025
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube)
Before Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube spoke about facing his former team, expectations for his group, the effort level in recent games, the impact of new players, what he wants to see from Jacob Quillan, and why the Leafs skated again this morning. Berube also touched on Justin Faulk reaching 1,000 games and provided a brief update on Nick Roy’s injury timeline.
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On What Kind of Game He Expects
“That’s a hypothetical question.”
On what he expects from his team: “A lot of what we did last game. I talked about the Chicago game and I liked a lot of our game. We made a couple mistakes in the third period that cost us, but the overall process of how we played was pretty good and I expect more of the same tonight.”
On Facing His Former Team
“I got the opportunity to spend a lot of time there and get to know a lot of people. I love St. Louis. It was a great place to work, coach, be around great people and players. I got a lot of really good feelings when we’re playing these guys.”
On What the Staff Must Do to Help Turn Things Around
“Keep drilling it into the players and keep working with players and helping them and teaching them. Just get tighter as a group on the ice in all zones and doing the job we’re supposed to do with more consistency. My job is to help these guys try to get going in the right way. And it’s our job as players to understand what they need to do shift to shift and prepare and do the job.”
On Inconsistency in Effort
“We all want effort. That’s very important and there’s been times where it’s lacking, for sure. I haven’t seen that lately, so hopefully it’s going in the right direction in my opinion.”
On Why the New Players Haven’t Made a Bigger Impact
“Nick Roy’s game was really coming. He was playing some real good hockey for us and doing what he does and what we brought him in for. I loved Joshua’s last game. I thought that line was very impactful. Machelli has had some moments for sure. Again, I talk about consistency. We need more on a consistent basis. He’s capable of doing it. We’ve seen it. We need it every game, every night.”
On What He Wants to See From Jacob Quillan
“Q’s got great speed. He plays both wing and center, but he brings speed to the game. He’s a competitive kid, but his speed is what drives him. He’s a fast player and he’s powerful for a young kid. He’s going to bring energy to the game. He’s going to work. He’s going to compete. That’s what he’s going to bring tonight.”
On Treliving Saying There’s a “Disconnect” With the Players
“I don’t think there is a disconnect, but I can’t really answer that question.”
On Coaching Justin Faulk Reaching 1,000 Games
“I really enjoyed coaching him. He’s been a solid defenseman for a long time. Great person with a great personality. He brings it every night. You get the same game out of him night in and night out. I enjoyed working with him and having the opportunity to coach him.”
On Nick Roy’s Injury Timeline
“He won’t be back the next couple games.”
On Why They Skated This Morning
“I just wanted to work on the power play today more than anything. We didn’t touch it yesterday. It’s a couple days in between games so sometimes it’s good to get them on the ice and get focused in the morning. Not long — just more power play stuff.”
Pulse Takeaway
Berube emphasized consistency, structure, and effort ahead of the matchup with St. Louis, praising recent steps forward while acknowledging the need for more from new additions. He highlighted Jacob Quillan’s speed and energy, pushed back on the idea of a disconnect with the players, and reflected fondly on his time in St. Louis. With the power play and overall team identity still priorities, Berube’s message remains focused on steady, incremental improvement.
Quotes from Craig Berube via Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
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