The Maple Leafs made a targeted coaching move on Monday, parting ways with power play coach Marc Savard. Questions immediately arose about who might be next. It has been reported that both GM Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube will remain with the organization.
As Elliotte Friedman reportedDespite Toronto’s fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the organization has no desire to change everything and everyone. When it comes to Savard, Friedman writes, “according to multiple sources, the coaching/management changes stop there.”
The reason for the firing was to get Auston Matthews back on track, with his power struggles playing a major role in Savard’s departure. “…those same sources indicate that Auston Matthews’ immediate biggest concern is on fire – finding ways to get his game going.”
Friedman added:
“Savard and Berube are close, and the head coach fought in support of his assistant as the battle for the man advantage intensified. But that’s where the changes end for now, with Treliving and Berube not in the same danger.”
The lack of success on the power play left management with little choice to make a move. That said, it will be intriguing to see how short the line is for the head coach and general manager. For now, Friedman’s report will shut down speculation about further coaching changes, including any rumors of Pete DeBoer coming into the mix. That doesn’t mean changes won’t come if Savard’s move doesn’t have a fairly quick impact.
Early online reaction to the Maple Leafs decision
Fans online were quick to judge the Maple Leafs for promising change but not actually delivering on it.
One fan wrote: “Leafs fires Savard, but keeps Berube and Treliving at his peak “change something without changing everything.” Classic front office hedge: blame the power play, not the roster construction. If results don’t show up soon, this will feel like the prelude, not the end.”
Another added: “Symbolic of this entire era. Preaching patience and a refusal to take real action. It has crippled this entire era in so many ways. Whether it was Marner, Babcock or Shanahan, the Leafs continually refuse to take action until it’s already too late.”
It continued: “So if they don’t leave Berube and Treliving…, what are they doing? Firing the PP coach has essentially accomplished nothing, and the people in charge now are still there! Help me clear this up…, what are they afraid of?”
Next: A comment from Matthew Knies that now raises questions for the Maple Leafs
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