Craig Berube Earns Massive Promotion Within the Toronto Maple Leafs Organization

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube did a great job in his first season with the team. Overall, he was able to guide the franchise to an Atlantic Division title.

Furthermore, he got the team to a Game 7 against the defending champions in the second round. Sure, the Leafs got blown out in that game, but with this Core Four, it is a miracle they even made it that far.

Now, Berube is being rewarded for his efforts. After Brendan Shanahan was fired by MLSE CEO Keith Pelley on Thursday, the head coach received a massive vote of confidence.

While speaking to the media today, Pelley revealed that Berube's role with the team would be more than just that of a head coach. Essentially, he would have a say in the team's personnel decisions. Think of him as a collaborator to general manager Brad Treliving.

Pelley had a dinner with Berube, and it is clear that his conversations with the head coach guided him towards this decision.

There aren't a lot of head coaches in the NHL who have this kind of power. However, Berube certainly deserves it when you consider what he has accomplished.

As a Stanley Cup-winning head coach, Berube knows what it takes for a team to go all the way. Pelley has made it clear that he wants this team to win a title, and they are giving Berube the keys to the car.

Of course, Brad Treliving is still General Manager, but this latest decision from the Leafs' upper management is a fascinating one.

Only time will tell whether or not this pans out or if the Leafs end up finding themselves in a dark hole.