Because the 2024-25 season approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs discover themselves in a well-recognized, irritating place: one other offseason full of lofty guarantees and doubts about whether or not actual change will come. After seven first-round playoff exits in eight seasons, the message from followers and pundits was clear—one thing needed to give.
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But, regardless of expectations of a franchise-altering transfer, notably surrounding Mitch Marner‘s future, the Maple Leafs as soon as once more selected a path of continuity relatively than upheaval. So, what was speculated to occur, what occurred, and what got here subsequent?
What Was Purported to Occur: The Impetus for Change
Following their newest playoff disappointment, many believed the time had come for the Maple Leafs to shake up their core. Like Marner, the thought of buying and selling an enormous identify turned a central narrative. The group, it appeared, may now not justify sticking with the identical group of stars that had persistently didn’t ship when it mattered most. Followers demanded a extra “scorched earth” method. For many supporters, that meant tearing down the present roster, making daring strikes, and beginning contemporary.
With the stress mounting, it was thought that the 2024 offseason could be when every little thing modified—not simply minor roster tweaks however a basic shift within the group’s core id. There have been swirling rumors of trades, large free-agent signings, and a brand new management course that will take the Maple Leafs out of their extended playoff funk. At the very least the group’s management group promised as a lot. The whole lot was speculated to be on the desk.
What Actually Occurred: Extra Adjustments Across the Core
As a substitute of radical modifications to the “core 4” (Auston Matthews, Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares), the Maple Leafs retooled the supporting solid once more. Sheldon Keefe was changed as head coach by Craig Berube, who brings a Stanley Cup pedigree from his time with the St. Louis Blues. Whereas Berube’s hiring signaled a contemporary method behind the bench, it didn’t alter the important make-up of the group’s ahead group.
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Defensively, there have been modest modifications. Free agent Chris Tanev joins a moderately-revamped blue line, which ought to convey much-needed stability and defensive acumen. However the ahead group—usually criticized for missing grit and playoff resilience—stays basically the identical. Even the captaincy transition, with Matthews taking up the “C” from Tavares, feels extra like a beauty change than the transformational transfer many hoped for.
Essentially the most important offseason growth got here within the government suite, with Keith Pelley’s appointment as the brand new CEO of Maple Leaf Sports activities & Leisure (MLSE). In his first public look, Pelley spoke forcefully concerning the want for larger requirements, saying “Good is just not adequate.” He promised a extra aggressive pursuit of championships, a daring stance that echoed what followers have lengthy demanded.
Pelley had the repute of being a firebrand. He was speculated to be passionate, energetic, and spark change. He was controversial. Certainly, he would strongly impression the group by difficult the established order. Nonetheless, the “core 4” stay intact because the Maple Leafs enter the brand new season. That ought to elevate questions on whether or not daring actions match the phrases laid out after Keefe was fired. Even with Pelley, little appears to have modified.
Will Actual Change Ever Lastly Come?
Because the 2024-25 season will get underway, the query stays: Is that this the “final dance” for the Maple Leafs’ core? There’s a rising sense that the group is heading right into a make-or-break season. If this group fails to ship once more, avoiding extra drastic modifications may be unimaginable. However what occurs in the event that they don’t steer the float to its remaining vacation spot – a Stanley Cup parade?
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Ought to followers fear that is one other “smoke and mirrors” season the place superficial modifications masks a extra profound unwillingness to half with beloved however underperforming stars? They’ve seen this story play out earlier than, not simply in hockey however in different sports activities. Typically, groups maintain onto their stars too lengthy, hoping for a breakthrough that by no means comes.
Think about the instance of the Vancouver Canucks’ “Sedinery” period. Regardless of years of regular-season success and a visit to the Stanley Cup Closing in 2011, the group’s core—Henrik and Daniel Sedin—was by no means damaged up, even because it turned clear {that a} rebuild was inevitable. The Canucks ultimately drifted into years of mediocrity earlier than the inevitable overhaul got here, however by then, it was too late to compete for a title.
May the Maple Leafs be heading down the same path? If this core fails to interrupt by means of once more, will the group lastly make the laborious selections required to reshape the group?
What Comes Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs discover themselves at a crossroads as the brand new season begins. The expertise is there, however the outcomes haven’t adopted. With Pelley in cost and Berube behind the bench, the stress is larger than ever. Followers have heard guarantees of change, however this season may be the actual check. However, then, we’ve heard all this earlier than – haven’t we?
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Will the Maple Leafs sink or swim with this core? Or will the group’s Stanley Cup goals lastly collide with the iceberg looming within the distance? Change is both coming—by means of victory or failure—or the group will face the results of standing nonetheless.