BREAKING NEWS: Former St louis Blues head coach Craig Berube now the head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League, sent a message to st louis blues head coach Jim Montgomery concerning…see more

In a moment that has sent ripples through the NHL community, former St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube, now the newly appointed head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has issued a deeply personal and professionally significant message to current Blues head coach Jim Montgomery. The announcement, which was made through a joint statement and later elaborated on in a press conference, has sparked conversations not just about their relationship, but also about leadership, legacy, and the evolving culture of hockey.

Berube, a no-nonsense coach with a Stanley Cup pedigree, took over the Maple Leafs earlier this off-season following Toronto’s disappointing early playoff exit. The decision to bring in Berube came as Toronto sought to overhaul its organizational culture and instill the kind of gritty, resilient, and accountable playing style that defined the Blues during Berube’s successful tenure there. His time in St. Louis culminated in a historic 2019 Stanley Cup victory, the franchise’s first, and his leadership style remains widely respected.

Now, back in a head coaching role after a brief hiatus, Berube didn’t hesitate to extend a message to his former organization—particularly to the man now leading the Blues, Jim Montgomery. In a composed but powerful statement, Berube shared reflections, advice, and an unmistakable tone of mutual respect.

Berube’s Message to Montgomery: A Bridge Between Past and Present

“St. Louis was more than just a coaching job for me—it was home. I owe a great deal of my growth as a coach and as a man to that organization, the players, and the city,” Berube said from the Maple Leafs’ practice facility in Toronto. “Coach Montgomery is a brilliant hockey mind, and I know he’s committed to carrying the Blues’ legacy forward. I just want him to know that the culture we built—of toughness, unity, and relentless effort—is not a closed chapter. It’s a foundation he can build even higher upon.”

According to sources close to the Blues’ organization, the message was received with deep appreciation. Montgomery, who has steadily led the Blues since taking over the reins after Berube’s departure, is reportedly open to incorporating aspects of Berube’s high-character, high-accountability philosophy into his own approach.

“It means a lot,” Montgomery said in response to Berube’s statement. “Craig’s a guy I respect tremendously. What he achieved here was historic, and I recognize the shoulders I stand on. His message reminds me that this is a brotherhood. We compete, yes—but we also uplift one another.”

An Evolving Relationship Between Two Leaders

Though Berube and Montgomery never overlapped directly in the Blues’ coaching hierarchy, they’ve known each other for years across various NHL circuits. Both former players with careers defined more by grit and intelligence than superstardom, they share similar coaching ideals: honest communication, accountability, and a team-first mentality.

Berube’s message, however, wasn’t just a ceremonial handoff or public gesture. Analysts believe it reflects a broader desire to foster a more collaborative culture among NHL coaches—particularly as the sport faces increased scrutiny regarding locker room environments, mental health support, and coaching methods.

“This kind of open, public show of respect between two head coaches is rare in pro sports,” said NHL analyst Kevin Weekes. “It tells younger coaches and players that there’s room for mentorship, for reflection, and for solidarity even in such a competitive space.”

Berube’s Return to the NHL Spotlight

Craig Berube’s new chapter in Toronto marks a pivotal moment in his career. After parting ways with St. Louis in 2023 following a decline in team performance, he spent time away from coaching—reportedly reflecting, consulting, and spending time with family. His hiring by the Maple Leafs came as a surprise to some, but not to those who knew he was quietly preparing for his next challenge.

“Toronto wanted a coach with a proven track record who could handle a tough market and motivate elite talent. That’s Berube,” said Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. “He’s battle-tested and has the kind of leadership this young, hungry Leafs core can respond to.”

Berube inherits a Toronto team that has consistently underperformed in the playoffs despite regular-season success. With superstars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, the Leafs boast talent—but critics have long pointed to a lack of grit and defensive structure. Enter Berube.

He’s already begun reshaping the team’s culture. Early reports from training camp suggest intense practices, renewed emphasis on forechecking and physicality, and a “no passengers” philosophy. It’s a return to basics, but with a demanding edge.

Implications for the Blues: A Message Beyond Hockey

While the Blues are charting their own course under Montgomery, Berube’s message may serve as a compass for continued growth. The Blues are in the midst of a retooling phase, blending veterans like Brayden Schenn and Colton Parayko with emerging talents such as Zachary Bolduc and Dalibor Dvorský.

Montgomery has already brought a more offensive-minded approach than his predecessor, and the results have been encouraging. Yet Berube’s words seem to suggest that a fusion of both styles—his trademark discipline and Montgomery’s creativity—could yield a more balanced and dangerous team.

Fans in St. Louis have responded with nostalgia and appreciation. Social media platforms lit up with tributes to Berube’s legacy, including clips of the 2019 Cup run and iconic locker room speeches. Many praised him for continuing to show loyalty and humility, even from afar.

“This is why we loved Chief,” one Blues fan tweeted. “He may be in Toronto now, but part of his heart is still here in STL.”

Looking Ahead: Two Coaches, One Shared Standard

As the 2025–2026 NHL season approaches, all eyes will be on how both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues evolve under their respective leadership. While they may now be competitors in the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, Craig Berube and Jim Montgomery represent a rare kind of fraternity—leaders driven not just by wins, but by the values they instill in their locker rooms.

Berube’s message to Montgomery is more than a personal note—it’s a blueprint for sustainable success. And in a league where coaching seats are often hot and tenures short, that kind of brotherhood could be the key to longevity and legacy.

The NHL is richer for these moments. In the end, it’s not just about rivalries and rosters—it’s about the people who shape the game.