Maple Leafs Struggle Summed Up in 2 Words by Coach Berube

Toronto's losing streak reaches 6 games as trade deadline approaches

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost six straight games since the Olympic break, leaving head coach Craig Berube "pissed off" with the team's lack of effort. With the trade deadline looming, the Leafs' struggles have put several players' futures in doubt as the team considers shaking up the roster.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs were expected to be a contender this season, but their recent skid has them on the verge of becoming trade deadline sellers rather than buyers. This raises questions about the team's direction and the job security of Berube, who has been unable to get the talented roster to perform up to expectations.

The details

The Leafs were blown out 6-2 by the rebuilding New York Rangers on Thursday, extending their losing streak to six games. Berube summed up his mood by telling reporters the team is "pissed off" and not pushing hard enough to win games that have been "right there" for the taking.

  • The Maple Leafs have lost all 6 games since the Olympic break.
  • The team was thrashed 6-2 by the New York Rangers on March 6, 2026.

The players

Craig Berube

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who expressed frustration with the team's lack of effort during their recent losing streak.

Bobby McMann

A soon-to-be unrestricted free agent for the Maple Leafs who could be traded before the deadline.

Scott Laughton

Another Maple Leafs pending UFA who may be traded at the deadline.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

A Maple Leafs defenseman with term on his contract who could be moved at the deadline.

Matthew Knies

A Maple Leafs player who has been the subject of trade speculation ahead of the deadline.

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What they’re saying

“Pissed off”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach (TSN)

“The games are right there, and we don't push, as a team, hard enough to win them.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach (TSN)

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will have to decide whether to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline on Friday, with several pending free agents and core players potentially on the move.

The takeaway

The Maple Leafs' recent struggles have put their head coach on the hot seat and forced the organization to consider major roster changes ahead of the trade deadline, as the team's talented roster has underperformed expectations so far this season.