Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Of all the current coaches available to be hired by an NHL team, former St. Louis Blues bench boss Craig Berube is rumored to be in particularly high demand.
Of all the coaching availabilities, here are the three most logical landing spots for the Stanley Cup-winning coach in this writer’s opinion:
1. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have been linked to Berube since they dismissed veteran Sheldon Keefe. That’s for good reason. Berube’s no-nonsense persona is just what the doctor ordered for the too-comfortable Leafs lineup.
Berube has reportedly been interviewed by Toronto management, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Berube’s status as a proven winner would be an easy sell to the Leafs market, and a two- or three-year contract would be the minimum for him to agree to join the Buds.
The Leafs gig is one of the highest-profile jobs in hockey, but Berube is built for it. One way or another, he will be back coaching next season, and the only real question is if it’s being the main man in Leafs Land.
Related: The Latest On the Search for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Next Coach
2. New Jersey Devils
Like the Leafs, the Devils are an underachieving bunch who quickly moved on from interim coach (and new Ottawa coach) Travis Green once the regular season ended.
New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald wants a tougher, more aggressive approach toward his players, and Berube fits the bill in bringing that about. The Devils let down Fitzgerald this season, but with Berube aboard, the competitive temperature in New Jersey will rise in a good way.
Working in the greater New York City area brings with it an increased profile, but Berube is experienced as a player with big-city teams, and he wouldn’t shy away from the challenge of winning in the Jersey swamp.
Related: Looking for Work: Four Potential Landing Spots for Sheldon Keefe
3. Winnipeg Jets
This might be a longer shot for Berube, but the Jets are looking for a replacement for respected veteran Rick Bowness.
Berube was scheduled to talk to Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff about the position on Tuesday, according to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli. The Jets have a strong roster, but they’ve been unable to convert it into playoff success, and that would be Berube’s task if he takes over in Winnipeg.
In a relatively weak Central Division after the top three teams, expectations are sky-high for the Jets. The pressure to produce would be considerable for Berube. But that’s just a fact of life for any NHL coach these days. There’s no room for failure or excuses, and Berube understands that reality.
Working in a smaller market like Winnipeg is similar to St. Louis, and Berube would be under a microscope from the get-go. But if he can deliver positive results and get the Jets to the promised land, they’ll be dedicating schools in Berube’s name.
Related: What Moves Can the Jets Make to Go From First-Round Exits to Stanley Cup Champions?
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News Summary:
- Why Craig Berube Would Be a Good Fit in Toronto, New Jersey or Winnipeg
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