Nobody “Feeling Safe” in Maple Leafs House of Cards

From players to coaches to management, everyone who is a part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization is feeling the pressure these days. With only 11 games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season, the franchise is gearing up for what could be big changes and there aren’t many linked to the franchise who should feel their job is secure.

According to Chris Johnston, who was a guest on FirstUp 1050, the Maple Leafs are waiting for the final 11 games of the season to play out before making decisions. He notes, “nobody would be feeling safe right now with this organization.”

Given that the Maple Leafs had such lofty expectations for their group and began the season with a run to the Stanley Cup on their radar, not making the playoffs is unacceptable. The team has experienced such a steep drop off, and “there’s going to need to be some change that comes from that. I just don’t think there’s any way around it.”

This Maple Leafs Team is Disconnected

There is a real sense that several areas or departments of the team are not on the same page. Johnston noted that last season, there were signs things were heading in a not-so-great direction, but this season it went off the rails.

Despite the team trying to focus on cohesion, “you certainly haven’t felt that at times this year,” said Johnston. Losing will do that. And, as a result, people make poor decisions or overcompensate to try and spark the team. Craig Berube continues to push the team, but he’s often pushing the wrong buttons. And, when the team feels defeated, “urging them to continue to be competitive and to finish the season with their heads held high,” is about the best the group can hope for. Make no mistake, there will be players playing for jobs.

Changes could include roster players, coaches, and front-office members. Role players, superstars, Berube and Brad Treliving could all be gone next season. It is essentially a house of cards in Toronto and if it starts to crumble, the whole thing could come down with it.

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