CH-CH-CHANGES

BY MIKE RIFKIN

David Pastrnak scored 1:54 into overtime in Boston to propel the Bruins to a 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game seven of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the Leafs, it’s another first round exit and they have won ONE playoff series since 2004. 

Every year we sit here and ask what has to change for the Toronto Maple Leafs for them to attempt to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967. So let’s take an in depth look at what changes we should expect to happen this summer. 

Front Office : In 2014 Brendan Shanahan was named the President of the Maple Leafs. Brendan Shanahan coined the term “Shanaplan” and the Leafs have won one playoff series since. There have been other fall guys in Toronto. Whether it was Lou Lamoriello, Kyle Dubas, Mike Babcock (although he did it to himself), or any member of the roster the one constant has been Shanahan. If Shanahan is relieved of his duties, what happens with Brad Treliving? Treliving, replaced Kyle Dubas this past summer and did a really good job by adding Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi over the summer. He added Ilya Lubushkin and Joel Edmundson at the trade deadline to bolster the Blue line. Could the Leafs promote Treliving to President & GM? Yes they can, but would you hire someone who is inheriting Treliving? Here’s the other question: would the Leafs be okay with going Treliving full autonomy similar to what they did with Kyle Dubas? 

 Coaching : Sheldon Keefe replaced Mike Babcock in 2019 and posted a 212-97-40 record in the regular season. In five playoff appearances Keefe has a 16-21 record and won one playoff series win. But one thing about Keefe’s Leafs is that they would have these meltdowns in series and be unable to close the door. But just like Shannahan, it’s time for the Leafs to move on from Keefe and allow Trelving to hire his own coach. Some names to look at include former Stanley Cup Champion Craig Berube, Todd Mclellan, and I wouldn’t rule out the Leafs looking into Joel Queeneville (pending reinstatement). 

CORE FOUR : Now I can break down the entire Leafs roster (but that’ll be the next episode of Breakaway Bandits. Cheap Plug) But when you look at the Leafs you look at the core four forwards of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Some like to include defenseman Morgan Reilly in this group as well, but I’m only talking about the forwards. Matthews and Nylander missed time during the series against the Bruins, but Nylander led the Leafs with three goals and Matthews was tied for the team lead with four points. Both Matthews and Nylander both signed extensions to remain in Toronto. Which leaves Marner and Tavares, who combined for two goals and five points against Boston. Both are entering the final year of their respective contracts. Tavares will be 34 at the start of next season, and his game is declining and doesn’t have big value across the league. Marner is 27 and is entering his prime. Now I’ve been saying for a few years the Leafs should move Nylander, but with his play the past few seasons he has shut me up. But Marner, even as talented as he is, is someone who the Leafs should move. Now depending on if Marner is willing to sign an extension with a team he is moved to, it can help the Leafs get a very nice return for him. Now if Treliving and whoever the next President of the Leafs decide to run it back with the same group there will be a lot of eyebrows raised.

The “Shanaplan” has failed, this core has failed and it is time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to enter the next phase of their franchise. Changes should be coming and if they aren’t and the team continues to fail there will be a one word question going on WHY?