Leadership Lessons from the Toronto Maple Leafs: Don’t Wait, Lead Now

In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, leadership isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the difference between a season-ending loss and a Stanley Cup run. The Toronto Maple Leafs, under the guidance of head coach Craig Berube and their core players, have demonstrated powerful leadership qualities during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their journey, especially in their intense series against the Florida Panthers, offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to lead with purpose and impact. At Don’t Wait, Lead Now, we believe leadership is about taking action in the moment. Here’s how the Maple Leafs embody this philosophy and what we can learn from them.

1. Lead with Composure Under Pressure

Craig Berube’s unflappable demeanor has been a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs’ playoff performance. Despite facing a formidable opponent in the defending champion Florida Panthers, Berube has remained steady, even after tough losses like the 6-1 defeat in Game 5. His ability to stay calm and focused has influenced his players, helping them regroup and respond with a critical 2-0 win in Game 6 to force a Game 7. As Berube noted, “It starts with his determination, his leadership,” when praising captain Auston Matthews’ all-around game.

Lesson: Great leaders don’t let setbacks derail their focus. Whether it’s a missed deadline or a failed project, maintaining composure allows you to guide your team through adversity. Practice staying calm by preparing for high-pressure scenarios in advance—anticipate challenges, visualize your response, and focus on solutions rather than emotions.

2. Empower Your Team by Trusting Everyone

Berube’s approach to leadership extends beyond relying on star players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. In the first-round series against the Ottawa Senators, he leaned heavily on the team’s “B” players, such as Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz, who proved critical to their success. By distributing ice time more evenly—Lorentz averaged over 12 minutes per game—Berube showed trust in every player’s ability to contribute. This trust paid off, with role players stepping up to bridge the gap between the team’s stars and supporting cast.

Lesson: Don’t just lean on your top performers. Empower everyone by giving them opportunities to shine. Delegate meaningful tasks, provide clear expectations, and trust your team to deliver. This not only builds confidence but also creates a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute.

3. Lead by Example, Not Just Words

Auston Matthews, the Leafs’ captain, exemplifies leading by example. In Game 6 against the Panthers, Matthews scored the game-winning goal, breaking a scoreless tie in the third period. His performance wasn’t just about scoring; it was about his relentless work ethic at both ends of the ice. As teammate Max Pacioretty said, “That’s why he’s our captain.” Similarly, Mitch Marner has been praised for his defensive efforts as much as his offensive contributions, with Berube noting, “He’s a leader that plays both ends of the ice.”

Lesson: Actions speak louder than words. To inspire your team, demonstrate the behaviors you expect—whether it’s showing up early, tackling tough tasks, or supporting a struggling colleague. Your example sets the standard for others to follow.

4. Adapt and Make Tough Decisions

Berube’s willingness to make strategic adjustments has been critical to the Leafs’ resilience. After a disappointing Game 5 loss, he avoided drastic lineup changes but made subtle tweaks, such as reinserting Max Pacioretty for Game 6. These decisions reflect his ability to balance consistency with adaptability, ensuring the team remains competitive. Even when facing criticism for not shaking up the lineup after losses, Berube stuck to his philosophy, saying, “I don’t want to change too much. I think there has been a lot of good.”

Lesson: Leadership requires knowing when to stay the course and when to pivot. Evaluate your strategy regularly, but don’t react impulsively to setbacks. Make informed decisions based on data, feedback, and your long-term vision, and be prepared to stand by them.

5. Foster a Culture of Resilience

The Maple Leafs’ ability to bounce back from adversity is a testament to their leadership-driven culture. After being booed off the ice following Game 5’s collapse, the team responded with a gritty, disciplined performance in Game 6, led by Matthews and goaltender Joseph Woll. Berube’s pre-game messaging, which emphasizes discipline and focus, has helped the team tune out external noise and stay committed to their game plan. As one X post highlighted, “Clips like this show exactly the kind of leadership and composure Craig Berube has brought to the Leafs—this team is sticking to their game regardless of what.”

Lesson: Build a team culture that thrives on resilience. Encourage open communication, celebrate small wins, and remind your team of their shared goals during tough times. A resilient culture turns setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Don’t Wait to Lead

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025 playoff run showcases leadership in action: composure under pressure, trust in every team member, leading by example, strategic adaptability, and a resilient culture. These qualities, embodied by Craig Berube, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and others, are not just for the ice—they’re universal principles for success in any high-stakes environment. GO LEAFS!

At Don’t Wait, Lead Now, we challenge you to apply these lessons today. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or a crisis to step up. Lead with intention, empower your team, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Whether you’re in a boardroom, a classroom, or on the rink, the time to lead is now.

What’s one leadership lesson from the Toronto Maple Leafs you’ll put into action this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to lead now!

Ready to lead with purpose? Visit www.dontwaitleadnow.com for more insights on building strong teams and driving results.  You can also find us at Medium and Substack