The biggest problem for the maple leafs is revealed and it's not the head coach
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:
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.
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
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 20 | 1098 ANSWERS The biggest problem for the maple leafs is revealed and it's not the head coach Should the Maple Leafs re-evaluate all their assets? | ||
| Yes | 827 | 75.3 % |
| No | 271 | 24.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) shakes hands with Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) after overtime win by Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531510.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) shakes hands with Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) after overtime win by Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
