Craig Berube plans major system overhaul for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Globe and Mail
With Craig Berube at the helm, the Maple Leafs are set to undergo significant changes in both their roster and style of play for the upcoming season.
This summer, Brad Treliving rejuvenated the team's defense by acquiring veteran blueliners Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Both players are expected to make a significant impact on the team for years to come.
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These adjustments to the blue line could significantly affect the team's overall performance, particularly with a new head coach in place. One fan noted that former head coach Sheldon Keefe favored a more conservative defensive approach.
Doing some late night reading/watching highlights. One way Berube can differ from Keefe is how the Leafs break the puck out of their zone. Keefe tried to limit turnovers by avoiding pressure to make the safer plays. Which isn't bad, but it gives the other team time to regroup
Berube's tenure might bring significant changes. As the fan highlights, the inclusion of Tanev and Ekman Larsson improves the team's puck movement and offensive flow. Tanev's consistent defensive play could give Morgan Rielly the freedom to be more offensive, while Ekman Larsson's puck-handling skills will bolster the team's ability to transition quickly.
Keefe was either a more passive coach or TOR lacked puck movers on the blue line to really push the play north and create odd man rushes. Tanev & OEL are big time upgrades over Boosh and Edmundson. Tanev likely allows Rielly to be more aggressive and OEL is good with breakouts
He highlighted the St. Louis Blues' former playstyle as a model that the Leafs might follow in their strategy for the next season.
When they had the horses to do it, STL under Berube used to be more aggressive with their breakouts. I don't blame Keefe for insulating our Dmen with safer plays. But giving good defensive teams more time to setup in the playoffs as the trade off can stifle your offense
The importance of defensive zone breakouts and transitions is frequently underestimated. Fans are drawn to the exciting plays and impressive goals, but the smaller, pivotal actions that set up these moments�sometimes occurring half a minute before a score�often go unnoticed. Could this be Berube's strategy to make the Leafs serious contenders? The answer will unfold next season.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Craig Berube to implement massive system change for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Craig Berube to implement massive system change for the Toronto Maple Leafs
| POLL | ||
21 JUILLET | 128 ANSWERS Craig Berube plans major system overhaul for the Toronto Maple Leafs Will Craig Berube's coaching make the Toronto Maple Leafs a more dangerous team on the rush next season? | ||
| Yes | 82 | 64.1 % |
| No | 46 | 35.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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