Edmonton Oilers to Interview Craig Berube After Maple Leafs Exit

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is set to interview Craig Berube for the team’s head coaching vacancy. The former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach will have a formal sit-down with Oilers brass following initial conversations, per TSN’s Ryan Rishaug. Berube was fired by the Leafs in April after a season that saw Toronto miss the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

Berube’s name has emerged as a potential candidate for the Oilers as they continue to evaluate options beyond Bruce Cassidy. While permission to speak with Cassidy has not yet been granted by the Boston Bruins, the Oilers are widening their net. The Leafs have reportedly given the green light for Berube to interview, signaling a shift in their own rebuilding process.

Berube, who led the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup in 2019, brings a physical, defensive-minded system to the table. However, his 2025–26 season with the Leafs was a struggle, as the team finished with a 28–36–8 record and a .438 points percentage. That style clashed with the high-octane play of stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, raising questions about how he might manage the Oilers’ dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Still, Berube’s track record with the Blues and his ability to push players may intrigue the Oilers. He coached the Blues to a 94-point season in 2018–19, the second-highest total in franchise history. His 127 wins with the team remain a franchise record. Whether that system can translate to Edmonton’s offensive approach remains to be seen.

Oilers fans are split. Some see a need for a coach who can bring discipline and accountability to a team that has struggled with consistency in recent years. Others worry about a potential misfit with the Oilers’ elite talent. The team has every reason to be thorough in its search, especially with the season winding down and a playoff push on the horizon.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are making their own moves. Assistant GMs Brandon Pridham and Derek Clancey are stepping down, signaling a broader shakeup in Toronto’s front office.

The Oilers are expected to continue their interviews with multiple candidates before making a decision. With the NHL season entering its final stretch, a coaching change could have a major impact on Edmonton’s playoff chances. Bowman and the Oilers have until the end of the regular season to finalize their choice.