Report: Maple Leafs could bring back old friend for Craig Berube's staff

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a major transition behind their bench, terminating Sheldon Keefe and bringing aboard former tough-nosed forward Craig Berube, who was let go by the St. Louis Blues last season, as the 32nd head coach I'm team history. 

Naturally, Leafs fans everywhere are hoping that Berube can work the same magic that he did with the Blues when he led them to their first ever Stanley Cup championship since entering the NHL in 1967, coincidently the last year that the Leafs reached the top of the mountain. 

And while news of the hiring was mostly positive among Leafs fans on social media, this potential new hire they could make as a part of Berube's staff likely won't go over well.

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, there's a chance that the Leafs could consider bringing back former assistant coach DJ Smith, who was also terminated from his head coaching position this past season by the Ottawa Senators. 

Smith was fired by Ottawa in December after yet another poor start to the season and a total record of 121-154-32 along with zero postseason appearances. 

It wouldn't be long before he'd find new work, being scooped up by the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant.

He's also very familiar to Leafs fans in addition to his work in coaching the division rival Senators, having served as an assistant with the Leafs for four seasons starting in 2015.

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