Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to face significant changes under Craig Berube

This change is anticipated to have significant impacts, not only in regular season games but also in managing player stamina and effectiveness throughout the season.

Under Keefe's tenure, key forwards Matthews and Marner were heavily relied upon, each logging about 21 minutes of ice time per game, a stark contrast to the more balanced ice time distribution seen in Craig Berube's previous stint with the St. Louis Blues during their 2018-19 Stanley Cup victory.

During that championship run, Ryan O'Reilly was the only forward to exceed the 20-minute mark per game, highlighting a distinct approach to player deployment that Berube may bring to his new role in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs' strategy under Keefe saw not just Matthews and Marner, but also William Nylander and John Tavares, shouldering heavy loads, especially in the playoffs. The reliance on these players was further intensified by the team's lack of depth scoring, a gap that Berube is expected to address.

Moving forward, the introduction of evenly distributed ice time could help alleviate the pressure on Toronto's "Core 4," potentially enhancing their performance when it matters most-in the playoffs.

Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs are exploring opportunities to bolster their lineup, particularly through enhancing their third and fourth lines. This strategic shift is crucial for Berube's vision of a more balanced team dynamic, allowing him to effectively roll out each line and reduce the wear and tear on key players.

The next few months will be critical, as the team assesses its options and makes necessary adjustments to their roster.

This season promises not only changes in player utilization but also an evolution in team strategy, as Berube steps in with a fresh perspective on managing a talented roster in pursuit of NHL success.