Date: October 27, 2025
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube)
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube spoke with the media before tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames. He began by reflecting on the Toronto Blue Jays’ marathon loss the previous night before shifting focus to his own team — discussing lineup decisions, rush defense, the play of Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann alongside Auston Matthews, and expectations for Calgary.
For more Leafs coverage, visit the Toronto Maple Leafs page on Toronto Sports Pulse.
On the Blue Jays’ Tough Loss
“They just need to keep doing the same things they’ve been doing. They’ve been successful — the game’s right there. One play here or there and it’s a different ballgame. They win the game.”
On Defensive Pairings
“Going back to last year, Rielly and Myers were good together — they played a stretch of games together. There’s familiarity with Benoit and McCabe too. That’s how it worked out.”
On William Nylander and Calle Järnkrok
“William’s a game-time decision again. With Järnkrok, he probably won’t be going tonight — he’s on the ice now seeing how it feels.”
“There are a couple areas where William needs to feel right. It’s hard for him to know until game time, during warm-ups — how he feels and how he’s doing certain things. That’s when the decision gets made.”
On the Calgary Flames
“Nothing’s changed over the last couple of years with this team — they’re hardworking and compete extremely well. They create a lot of odd-man rushes. For us, it’s about rush defense and getting to their blue line, working the forecheck, and making it a difficult game. Their goalie’s been really good — we’ll have to compete to score.”
On Toronto Players Returning Home
“They’re fired up for sure. Any team with Toronto guys — they’re always ready to play here in Toronto.”
On Improving Rush Defense
“It’s more about reads up ice — pinching and our F3 not being structured enough. Guys diving in and getting caught, teams getting by us. That’s where it’s been happening.”
On Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann Playing with Auston Matthews
“Use their speed — that’s why the line’s together. It’s a fast, direct line. Play a territorial game in the offensive zone with Matthews. Don’t change how you are as a player — shoot when you get the chance. It’s a working line with skill.”
On Nazem Kadri Reaching 1,000 Games
“Very good player — adds a lot of elements to a team. He’s a gamer, very competitive, and he’s had a great career. You never quite know what you’re going to get — he can hit, score, make plays — he just plays.”
On His Own Trade to Calgary
“I was upset at the time because I really liked Toronto and things were going well for me. They had to do something — you get Doug Gilmour, it doesn’t matter who you trade back, does it? But yeah, I loved it here and loved playing here.”
On Max Domi’s Season
“Up and down. He missed some of camp — that always hurts a guy a little bit. Just kind of not fully healthy in my opinion.”
On What He’s Liked Most from the Team
“We’ve scored enough goals to win more games than we have. I like that we’re getting secondary scoring and that new guys are feeling more comfortable, understanding their roles. We’re still not firing on all cylinders, but the last two games have looked more like our identity — more direct, more physical — and that’s how we want to play.”
Pulse Takeaway
Berube kept the message steady heading into the matchup with Calgary — emphasizing structure, directness, and identity. He noted improved secondary scoring, the impact of players like McMann and Robertson, and the importance of staying physical as the Leafs settle into their season rhythm.
Quotes from Craig Berube via Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.