From the moment current head coach Craig Berube took over behind the bench, the Toronto Maple Leafs knew they were committing to a different style. It wasn’t just about new faces or trades. As we would soon find out, it was about a system rooted in structure, forechecking intensity and accountability at every level. Now, early in the 2025-26 season, that systemic shift is beginning to show. It shows how Toronto is playing, who’s getting ice time, and how the team’s identity is evolving.

What’s Changed, the Forecheck, Structure & Tempo

Berube’s blueprint emphasizes several key principles, including the following. • Aggressive forechecking: He wants forwards pressuring pucks hard, winning possession in the offensive zone and creating second-chance opportunities. • Simplified structure,

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