John Chayka on whether Auston Matthews' future impacted the decision to fire Craig Berube: "None. Zero."

"I just want to start out by thanking Craig Berube and his family for their contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs. I got to spend some time with Craig; he is a great man, a very good coach, and did a lot of good things here. That is not lost on me. I told him myself that I hope to lead with the same class and grace that he did in his time here."

"Moving forward, we felt that, after reviewing the organization, spending time in the facility, and meeting with staff, this was the right decision for the path ahead. It was an organizational decision. It was not a verdict on Craig's coaching. I think that stands for itself. We felt this was the right decision at this time."

"I'd just say that we didn't make this decision in a vacuum. This is a bigger picture decision. It is not just about a coach. Mats and I spent the last 10 days or so meeting with everyone, from the chefs to some of the players to everyone in between. We just feel there are some things we need to change, do better, and be better."

"What are some of the things the organization can do better and is working toward? Chayka: I think today is about the coaches, but I still haven't met with everybody fully. It is not for a lack of effort. It is a big staff and a big team. At the right time, we should have that discussion, but not today."

Craig Berube was relieved of head-coaching duties after an organizational review. John Chayka thanked Berube and his family for contributions and said the move was not a judgment on Berube’s coaching. Chayka described the decision as part of a larger shift rather than something made in isolation. He said he and Mats spent about 10 days meeting with people across the organization, including staff and some players, to identify areas needing improvement. Chayka stated that alignment at the top with leadership and the board would guide a vision and path forward. He also indicated the search for a new head coach had begun and that a meeting with Auston Matthews was planned.

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