Craig Berube Calls Out Maple Leafs’ Defensive Issues After Loss to Hurricanes

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has publicly criticized his team’s defensive play following a 5-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, November 10, 2025. Berube stated the team does not “value the defensive side of the puck enough,” a recurring issue this season.

Defensive Weaknesses Highlighted

The Maple Leafs have allowed 60 goals in their first 15 games, the most in the Eastern Conference and the second-most in the entire NHL, surpassed only by the St. Louis Blues (63 goals allowed). This defensive vulnerability has been a significant factor in their inconsistent performance.

Recent Performance and Standings

Toronto’s record currently stands at 8-7-1. They are seventh in the Atlantic Division, eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card spot in the East, and have played two more games than Boston. The team is currently on a five-game losing streak (0-3-2) since the Olympic break, having lost 11 of their last 14 games (3-8-3).

Berube’s Response to Struggles

Despite the team’s difficulties, Berube remains focused on coaching. “It’s hard,” Berube said. “For sure it’s hard. It’s been difficult here for a bit, especially coming out of the break. Going into the break with some positive things going on and then coming out of the break and losing four in a row, it’s tough. But I keep my head down and coach. I coach the players I’ve got that are going on the ice.”

Recent Trade Activity

On Wednesday, March 5, 2026, the Colorado Avalanche acquired defenseman Nick Blankenberg from the Nashville Predators for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 draft.

Maple Leafs Trade Details

The Maple Leafs traded forward Roy to the Colorado Avalanche. Roy has 186 points (73 goals, 113 assists) in 428 regular-season games and 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 79 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. If the Avalanche’s 2027 first-round selection is in the top 10, they will send their unprotected 2028 first-round pick to the Maple Leafs. Colorado will as well transfer the lowest of their three fifth-round selections in the 2026 Draft to Toronto.

NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen contributed to this report.