NHL coach Peter DeBoer breaks silence on rumors he could replace Craig Berube

Veteran NHL coach Peter DeBoer has played down speculation linking him with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coaching position, insisting he has not been contacted by the organization at any stage.

Despite the rumors, DeBoer made it clear there have been no discussions with Toronto about replacing current head coach Craig Berube.

The speculation has intensified following recent changes behind the Leafs’ bench. Last week, Toronto dismissed assistant coach Marc Savard, and reports have since suggested that Berube could also be under serious pressure.

With uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff, DeBoer’s name has emerged as a possible candidate should further changes be made.

However, NHL insider David Pagnotta has poured cold water on those claims, suggesting DeBoer is unlikely to entertain a move to Toronto given his current circumstances.

Pagnotta explained that DeBoer remains financially secure through the remainder of his contract with the Dallas Stars and is presently focused on his role with Team Canada.

According to Pagnotta, if DeBoer were to consider returning to an NHL bench, it would only be for a team already positioned as a genuine Stanley Cup contender.

He believes DeBoer would view himself as the final piece for a club on the brink of success — a coach capable of pushing a strong roster over the top. Pagnotta added that Toronto would not fit that profile unless the organization were willing to make an exceptionally lucrative offer, potentially in the range of $5–7 million per year.

Savard’s departure came during his second season on Berube’s staff, having joined the Leafs in 2024. Prior to his time in Toronto, Savard held assistant coaching roles with the Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues and served as head coach of the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires.

Many Leafs supporters have welcomed Savard’s exit, having called for changes to the coaching setup for several weeks. Whether that move alone is enough to spark improvement remains to be seen, with questions lingering over whether further changes are required.

As pressure continues to mount, attention will remain firmly on Berube if Toronto fails to reverse course in early 2026. The coming months could prove decisive.