The Leafs general manager fully backs Craig Berube despite challenges.

In Toronto, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has thrown his support behind coach Craig Berube despite the team's lackluster performance at the start of the NHL season.

Addressing the media in his customary quarter-season briefing, Treliving acknowledged the Leafs' 8-9-2 record as underwhelming. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that Berube is the right leader to reinvigorate a somewhat disjointed Toronto squad.

Expressing confidence in Berube's coaching abilities, Treliving emphasized, "I've got all the faith in our coach right now. I believe in Craig and his messaging. Craig didn't become a bad coach overnight."

Berube, handpicked by Treliving as the Leafs' head coach following Sheldon Keefe's departure in May 2024, made an immediate impact last season, guiding the team to a division-topping finish with 108 points.

This year, however, the Leafs are on a concerning trajectory, set to accumulate only 78 points. Treliving is grappling with the reasons behind the team's regression in Berube's second term. Despite minor roster changes, including the loss of key player Mitch Marner, the defensive performance has notably fallen short.

Toronto currently ranks poorly in goals conceded (3.79 per game) and shots faced (31.2 per game), while their goaltending, especially starter Anthony Stolarz, has been below-par compared to last season.

Identifying a palpable lack of enthusiasm within the team, Treliving intimated that a shift is imperative for Toronto to climb back into playoff contention. The Leafs trail by four points for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot before facing St. Louis, Berube's former team.

While acknowledging the Leafs' injury challenges, which have sidelined key players like Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz, Treliving reiterated the need for the team to internally address their performance rather than seek external solutions.

In a bid to bolster the roster, Toronto claimed defenseman Troy Stetcher off waivers and anticipates Joseph Woll's return to form after a personal absence. Despite the imminent returns, Treliving emphasized that team-wide improvement is paramount for success.

Citing a lack of consistency in performances, Treliving highlighted the urgency for the Leafs to elevate their game collectively to achieve better outcomes, stressing, "I think you can count on one hand how many full, complete games we've had. Put anybody in the uniform. If [we are] playing the way we're playing, we're probably going to have the same result."