Career summary
Craig Berube is a former professional ice hockey player and current coach in the National Hockey League, best known for his durable two-way play as a left winger. His playing career spanned 1986 to 1999, after which he transitioned to coaching at junior, AHL, and NHL levels. Berube established a reputation for disciplined, physical play, dependable two-way responsibility, and leadership in the locker room. This profile outlines his NHL teams, career timeline, positional role, and subsequent coaching trajectory, forming a lasting reference for understanding his impact on the game.
Playing career timeline and teams
Berube entered the NHL after junior hockey and played for several franchises over 13 seasons. His stints with the Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins define his legacy as a journeyman who contributed at high levels across multiple organizations.
Key playing statistics and teams
| Team | Season range | Position | Games played | Goals | Assists | Points | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Flyers | 1986–1991 | LW | 320 | 42 | 40 | 82 | Flyers records |
| Calgary Flames | 1991–1992 | LW | 61 | 9 | 11 | 20 | Flames records |
| St. Louis Blues | 1992–1993 | LW | 67 | 11 | 16 | 27 | Blues records |
| Washington Capitals | 1993–1994 | LW | 10 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Capitals records |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 1994–1995 | LW | 73 | 16 | 13 | 29 | Leafs records |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 1995–1997 | LW | 101 | 13 | 15 | 28 | Penguins records |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 1997–1999 | LW | 134 | 17 | 21 | 38 | Flyers records |
Playing style and role
Berube was a classic power forward for his era, combining size, physicality, and two-way responsibility. He was relied on to kill penalties, check opponents, and contribute offensively at a steady pace rather than in high-volume bursts. His leadership and consistency made him a valued teammate and a stabilizing presence in the locker room, particularly during playoff stretches with multiple teams.
Coaching career path
After retiring, Berube moved seamlessly into coaching, beginning at junior hockey and working through AHL assignments before reaching the NHL. He served as an assistant coach and later held head coaching roles, bringing the same pragmatic, team-first approach he displayed as a player.
Coaching milestones
- Transitioned to coaching in the late 1990s while still active at lower professional levels.
- Built experience in the AHL and minor leagues before earning NHL opportunities.
- Brought a disciplined, detail-oriented practice structure and emphasis on special teams to NHL programs.
Reputation and legacy
Across his playing career and subsequent coaching work, Berube has been recognized for professionalism, reliability, and respect for the game. His value is measured not in highlight statistics, but in durable contributions that helped teams compete consistently over long stretches.
Frequently asked questions
- What position did Craig Berube play? He played left wing, typically on the fourth line and in key penalty-killing roles.
- Which teams did he play for in the NHL? Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Is Craig Berube currently coaching? Information on his current role should be verified through the official NHL or team sources for the latest status.