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There’s been a big change to the Toronto Maple Leafs style of play under head coach Craig Berube, and it’s a surprising one considering his career as a player

There has been a big change under the leadership of new head coach Craig Berube with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, and it’s one that’s somewhat shocking considering Berube’s style as a player.

In his 17 seasons in the NHL, Berube was an enforcer, ready to drop the gloves at a moment’s notice with just about anyone. However, that’s not what he expects from his players as a coach, and it shows.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had just three fights so far in 2024-25, which is less than at the same time last year. Fans are taking notice.

However, according to Jeff Veillette, this should not come as a surprise. The Toronto Maple Leafs were eighth overall in fights for 2023-24. It’s very unlikely they finish that far up this year as Berube, who had plenty to say about a controversial overturned goal against the Washington Capitals last night, has never been one to push them on his players. Fights were down for the St. Louis Blues when he was head coach there, as well.

It’s definitely tough to imagine this being the case given the years Berube spent making money with his fists and his aggressiveness. But, it’s a different mindset when you’re a coach. Going down in a game, or losing it because a player chooses to fight when it’s not necessary is a coach’s nightmare.

Ryan Reaves, whose blooper against the Washington Capitals last night made the rounds on social media, has seemed much more reserved this season, and that’s likely by design.

Craig Berube is likely much less worried about fights than he is the team getting pushed around on the ice. There’s a time and place for everything, and the wrong time and place for a fight can cause huge headaches for coaches and players alike.