The biggest problem for the maple leafs is revealed and it's not the head coach

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Dave Colabelli
January 20, 2024 (8:24)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a struggling last 5 games going 1-4-0 since the Nylander contract extension. Fans are starting to lose patience.

The Maple Leafs need to sit down and take a look at their team, coaching staff and stats. It may be time to start to realize that this team won't cut it as a contender. The problem many fans think is causing these struggles is Sheldon Keefe, but we are here to plead his case. Their defensive game has been horrible, which is causing the Leafs to have low offensive zone time compared to previous seasons.

TSN's Mike Johnson said:

"I don't think for a second that it's [Sheldon Keefe's] responsibility or it's his fault or that he's the one to blame for a defensive team that's not quite as good. I think the biggest problem for Toronto is that they don't have the puck on their stick as much.

Like, we know they're a good offensive team. You look at all of the metrics, they're one of the best offensive teams in the league, except for time of possession in the offensive zone.

These numbers are not good enough for a so called "contender".

The Leafs may take a interesting and controversial approach in the next year. It is expected that the Leafs will look to be a "small buyer" at this year's trade deadline. If the Leafs go below their expectations, Brad Trevling can throw a curve ball and make moves a "contender team" wouldn't do over the summer.

He is no stranger to retooling a roster. In July 2022, when he was the GM of the Flames he traded Matthew Tkachuk to the Panthers for Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar and a first round pick in 2025, all while losing 113 point player Johnny Gaudreau and replacing him with UFA Nazem Kadri. He is not afraid to change things up.

More details to come.

As read on Maple Leafs Insider:

Leafs are struggling and it isn't on Keefe