‘That One Was A Pretty Funny One To Get Out’: Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner Reflects on Leaked Coffee Shop Photo, New Head Coach Craig Berube, and the Departure of Sheldon Keefe

Marner took questions from the media following the unveiling of Auston Matthews as the 26th captain in franchise history on Wednesday.

Following the Toronto Maple Leafs etching another part of their history, unveiling Auston Matthews as the 26th captain in franchise history on Wednesday, media members had the opportunity to speak with several players and personnel who attended the event, including Mitch Marner.

In late May, a viral photo of Marner and newly appointed head coach Craig Berube surfaced on ‘X’ as the two met at a coffee shop in Etobicoke. 

Berube, when asked about the picture at the NHL Entry Draft in Vegas a month later, responded with, "It's not surprising at all and to be honest with you I forgot about it already," adding, "I don't care; I'm just focused on the player. He's a character guy, a great person. I'm looking forward to coaching him."

On Wednesday, Marner addressed the now-viral photo of him and Berube having coffee in a small Etobicoke café for the first time. “Craig has been awesome. That one was pretty funny to get out, a little coffee shop in Etobicoke, and there were only a couple of people in there,” Marner recalled. “It’s been great talking to him all summer. We’re excited for this year, we’re excited to get it going. He’s been a joyful new mind and we’re excited to play under him.”

At the time the photo was taken, it was unclear whether the two would be co-workers given the uncertainty of Marner’s future with the club. However, it now seems that the Leafs intend on “running it back” with Marner included in their plans for the 2024-25 season. 

“We’re just excited; it’s a lot of the same group that we’ve had. We know we’re a great team, and it’s just about making sure every single summer you put the work in, get ready to go, and get geared up for the new one,” Marner said.

As for his thoughts on Berube, Marner expressed enthusiasm about working with the Stanley Cup-winning coach, who was named the Leafs' head coach earlier this summer. Known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to get the best out of his players, the general consensus has been met with widespread approval within the Leafs’ organization.

“Talking with Craig throughout the summer, he’s been amazing. He’s bringing a great new mindset to the team,” Marner explained. “I talked to a lot of people that have been under his coaching and I’ve only heard great things. We’re very excited to have him and fortunate.”

The 27-year-old’s remarks indicate that the team is ready to embrace Berube’s philosophy and different-styled approach from that of his predecessor, Sheldon Keefe – whom Marner also spoke about. Reflecting on his departure, Marner acknowledged the challenges of change but expressed gratitude for Keefe’s contributions.

“You know, like every single season, everyone has to look at something and decide if they’re going to make changes or not,” Marner said, referring to the coaching transition. “He was amazing when he was here and we were very fortunate to have him. Unfortunately, we just didn't get the job done with him. I wish him all the best in the future.”

Marner’s words suggest a readiness to move forward with Berube at the helm. With much of the group returning, a new-look blueline, and changes in net, the focus now shifts to building on past experiences and taking the next step with the help of new leadership.