The Toronto Maple Leafs left no stone unturned in their search for their next head coach but, in the end, Craig Berube was always the top option for Brad Treliving.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since introducing Berube, Treliving revealed that the team looked at nine candidates but Berube stood out from the rest.
Part of what sold Treliving on going with the former St. Louis Blues coach was his ability to bring a team-first approach, his ability to connect with players and hold them accountable.
“Ultimately, character matters,” Treliving said. “It matters with your team and it matters with your head coach.”
Berube said there were many factors that made the Leafs’ job attractable.
“It’s a huge honour obviously, great franchise, Original Six. I’m very honoured to be the head coach,” Berube said. “The core is great here. That was definitely one of the attractions coming to coach this team.”
Berube and the Leafs front office need to tackle some items right away, including the coaching staff. Berube said those decision will come at a later day.
