The end-of-year media availability was originally slated to happen on Thursday. However, the team never revealed who exactly would be at that event until today, when they made the announcement that it had been moved. This is an unusual move for the team, leading to questions about what might be coming this offseason.
Brendan Shanahan being present is also quite unusual. His last public remarks about the Leafs came last offseason when the team fired general manager Kyle Dubas. Outside of that instance, Shanahan has very rarely addressed the media so publicly, and rarely does he take questions as he will be on Friday.
All of this seems to be creating more confusion and anticipation around the team as fans wonder what direction the team will go next year. They are still committed to this core, with Auston Matthews and William Nylander both signing long-term extensions with the team this year.
One change that may happen is behind the bench. The team held their first half of the end-of-season exit interviews today with players and head coach Sheldon Keefe taking questions. During the events, Keefe took full responsibility for the team's failures this season.
It seems inevitable that Keefe will be replaced next season. However, what other changes could be coming to the team? That much is still very much in the air.
POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 2783 ANSWERS Maple Leafs reschedule Thursday's crucial press conference to Friday Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will announce that Sheldon Keefe has been fired at Friday's press conference? | ||
Yes | 2323 | 83.5 % |
No | 460 | 16.5 % |
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