The Leafs were reluctant to get into specifics, but it certainly feels like there will be some sort of push to make a big personnel change with "everything on the table".
The Leafs were reluctant to get into specifics, but it certainly feels like there will be some sort of push to make a big personnel change with "everything on the table".
The Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't say it, but after another disappointing playoff exit, running it back doesn't seem to be an option for the club this time around.
With core forwards, John Tavares and Mitch Marner eligible for contract extensions on July 1, Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan was asked if he'd be asking either player to waive their no-move clauses if a trade were available to help improve the club.
"Everything is on the table. We will discuss everything," Shanahan said, noting "I don't think it serves the Toronto Maple Leafs in any fashion to discuss those things prematurely, to discuss those individuals prematurely."
Speaking alongside newly installed Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley and GM Brad Treliving on Friday following a disappointing first-round exit against the Boston Bruins, Shanahan recognized that his core players haven't gotten the job done. There was recognition that Marner, Tavares, Auston Matthews and William Nylander occupying much of the club's salary cap may not be working.
In past years, Shanahan had remained steadfast in his commitment to his prized forwards. But this time, he rang a very different tune.
"When you see patterns not change, when you change things around some of your core issues, hoping that this year the results will be different and they don't, that's when you start having to reassess from a different lens," Shanahan said. : More information comes to you, and different information comes to you. Certain things that you maybe felt in the past start to shift as you get that new information."
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dx29lZAM6k[/embed]
The Maple Leafs scored just 12 goals over seven games against the Bruins, despite having a 69-goal scorer in Matthews available for half the series while finishing the regular season with the second-best total of goals scored (303).
Shanahan insisted that his process hadn't changed in how he identified issues. But there is a divide in terms of how the Maple Leafs perform in the regular season rather than how the Leafs have been in the postseason that he is finally resigned to.
"I do believe that there's a time where the right answer is patience, and then there comes a time where you have to say that you have new information to you, the information has evolved, and you have to adjust your way of thinking," Shanahan said. "I know the desire's there. I can tell you that every player who has been here this entire time wants to win in Toronto. They have, some have had opportunities to work elsewhere and have chosen to come back to Toronto, they're dedicated to getting it done here.
"So I don't question their dedication, but I do question just our ability as a group to get it done in those difficult times, and that's why we have to make some changes and we'll continue to look at changes with the goal in mind, what makes the Maple Leafs better, not just in the regular season, but come playoff time."
Shanahan was vague on details and understandably so. All core players have no-movement clauses and could block any attempt to request a change. It's clear now that Shanahan isn't going anywhere for the time being, given the full endorsement from Pelley.
"Brendan is the President of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He's a champion. He's a three-time Stanley Cup winner. What I saw in my four weeks with the two gentlemen beside me showed me that the chemistry and unity is being built at the highest levels."
Now it's up top Shanahan and Treliving to see if they can make it happen. It won't be easy. Any return for their players will be scrutinized and has to meaningfully improve the club.
The Leafs may not be able to pull it off. But at least now they're forced to try.
Related
Report: Devils Receive Permission to Speak with Former Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe
Maple Leafs Prospect Easton Cowan Impresses In Dominant Five-Point Performance of OHL Final Opener
News from THN.com
Why is the NHL's Coaching Carousel Spinning Like Never Before?
Dancing in the Moonlight: Funniest Reactions to the Bruins and Panthers' Heated Third Period
NHL Draft Lottery: What Macklin Celebrini Can Bring to the San Jose Sharks?