“A man of character, a great person, a great player, and I look forward to coaching him”

Following the NHL Draft, head coach Craig Berube discussed acquiring the rights to Chris Tanev, his meetings with the players and staff since taking the job in Toronto, and the

How have you gotten to know all your staff and some of the players over the past few months?

Berube: It was amazing. I spent some time in Toronto, meeting all the employees and getting to know them. It was great getting to know everyone and learning about their personalities and stuff like that.

I have spoken to almost every player on the team in person, via Zoom or via phone call. It was amazing. I’m looking forward to working with all these guys.

What do you like about Chris Tanev if a deal works out?

Famous: Heart and soul man. He gives you everything he’s got. Team man. He puts it all on the line every night, as you know when you watch him play. Hopefully we can get something done.

What is the process like when you meet players? Do you do that based on geography, role in the team?

Famous: Basically it’s about being yourself. Whether it’s on the phone, via zoom or in person, we talk about what kind of coach I am, what to expect from me, what I expect from them and how to get to know their personalities. I talk to them about the past and what happened.

It’s not just hockey. I get to know their lives, their families and stuff like that. I try to get a good feel for everything.

When you’re talking to a player privately and a fan takes a photo (as in the case of Mitch Marner in the coffee shop), how do you feel? Is it annoying?

Famous: It’s not surprising at all. To be honest, I had already forgotten about it. I don’t care. I focus on talking to the player. That’s it. Things happen.

What were your thoughts about Mitch Marner when you met him?

Berubé: He’s a character guy. He’s a great person. He’s obviously a great player. I’m looking forward to coaching him.

What have you noticed about the market in the short time you’ve been in Toronto?

Berubé: It was great. I was a player here in Toronto for a short time. I had a good feeling about it then. I enjoyed playing here for a short time. I’m really looking forward to coaching here.

It’s the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s an Original Six team. The fanbase… It’s going to be a lot of fun.

What do you like about what Marc Savard brings to the staff?

Berubé: I played with Marc for a while as a player. I like his personality. He was a great power play guy and an offensive player, as you know. I took him to St. Louis for a while. He ran the power play there. I liked what he did.

With the familiarity I wanted to bring him back. I think he’ll work well with our power play.

What do you want to teach the team in the future, whether it concerns the current selection or new players?

Berubé: Just an identity – how we want to be as a team, how we want to play especially night in and night out, what we can expect, what I look for as a coach, and what I expect from you as a coach player.