Report: Maple Leafs Ownership Could Make Massive Changes if 'Really Disappointing First-Round Exit' Happens Again in the Playoffs
The Athletic's James Mirtle says "pretty big changes" could come inside the Maple Leafs organization if the team fails to get out of the first round of the playoffs.
There could be a lot of warm seats within the Maple Leafs organization if they fail to make it past the first round of the playoffs this year.
Toronto locked up a playoff spot last week, and as we approach the beginning of the postseason, it appears the Maple Leafs will be playing the Florida Panthers in the first round.
Florida eliminated Toronto in the second round last year and if they pull it off again, there could be some sweeping changes inside the Maple Leafs organization. According to The Athletic's James Mirtle on The Leaf Report, those adjustments could be large.
"They lose in the first round, there's going to be pretty big changes. And there could be big changes this year and potentially even the year after. (Brendan) Shanahan's got the one year left on his deal. There's a new president of MLSE," Mirtle said.
"There's a lot going on up at the top of the Leafs, and I know for a fact ownership is not happy at all with the performance of the team in the playoffs. Like, they're pissed. If there's another really disappointing first-round exit, they're gonna want blood. And I don't know if just firing the coach is enough. I think they're gonna want more than that."
MLSE (Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment) has had some big changes this year as the company named Keith Pelley its fifth President and CEO on Jan. 11. He began his tenure as head of the company on Apr. 2. All eyes will likely be on the Maple Leafs given their lack of playoff success in the recent years.
Toronto advanced to the second round last April after eliminating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. It was the first time they moved past the opening round since 2004.
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With new additions to the team — including Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, who are touted as "playoff performers," as well as the core players, like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly — there's a want inside the organization for more than a round or two.
However, as Mirtle states, that's likely the minimum for MLSE. Like the fans, they want more than a first-round win. Only time will tell if that occurs or not.
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