Craig Berube, the 32nd to hold office in club history and the fourth this century to begin his tenure on Day 1 of the schedule, hopes not only to push for another 45 to 50 wins, but get deep in playoffs to enhance his impact.  

Here are the best and worst seasons for incoming Toronto coaches (not including early or mid-year replacements).

THE TOP SIX 

Dick Carroll, 1917-18 Blueshirts/Arenas 

Record: 13-9-0 Playoffs: 4-3 (Won Stanley Cup) 

At 33, the Guelph native had the ideal start for the new NHL franchise in a tumultuous first season for the league. From losing the first game in league history 10-9 to the Montreal Wanderers, Carroll’s team of 14 players beat the Montreal Canadiens in a two-game, total-goal league final and, in the deciding five-game Cup series match against the PCWHL champion Vancouver Millionaires, prevailed 2-1. 

Carroll’s next two NHL years were a bust, though his varied coaching life later included the 1920 Memorial Cup with the Toronto Canoe Club, a senior team of dental school grads in the OHA, boxing, football and a stint managing the Guelph Maple Leafs baseball team. 

George O’Donoghue, 1921-22 St. Patricks 

Record: 13-10-1 Playoffs 4-2-1 (won Stanley Cup) 

Part of the local Irish Mafia who had bought the Arenas and stamped them with a shamrock to lure the city’s large Eire immigrant population, O’Donoghue benefitted greatly from the scoring prowess of Cecil (Babe) Dye, who dominated the regular season (31 goals in 24 games) and playoffs. But O’Donoghue also got credit for a sound defensive strategy.

From a two-game total goal set versus the Ottawa Senators, including the only 0-0 tie in team playoff history, Toronto drew the Millionaires in the Cup final again, once more winning in five games. The Pats and goalie John Ross Roach allowed just 12 goals in seven playoff tilts.