In a disappointing turn of events for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, the team was eliminated from the postseason last night. They lost in overtime, 3-2, to the Florida Panthers. Surprisingly, the team was simply unable to generate enough offense. This simple fact eventually led to their downfall.
This result has significant implications for the organization. In fact, I can’t see that there won’t be changes – perhaps on a large scale and possibly in key positions. In this post, I’m going to speculate about three possible changes that might happen.
However, it is necessary to note that the first point sets the context for all subsequent changes.
Context: The fan base is simply unhappy with Kyle Dubas and Sheldon Cave
For years, a large percentage of the Maple Leafs fanbase had expressed their desire for General Manager Kyle Dubas to leave. Maybe not as many, but fans have also called for Coach Sheldon Keefe to go, too.
This general feeling is deep enough to be important. It also forms the background against which potential changes in the organization will emerge. In fact, my thoughts are that these feelings run so deep that it would be a shame for an audience not to listen to their wishes.
Related: Why Two Hockey Critics Say The Maple Leafs Can’t Win The Second Round
Possible Change #1: General Manager Kyle Dubas is likely gone
Due to the failure of the Maple Leafs to advance past the second round in the playoffs, there will be great pressure on the organization to let go of general manager Kyle Dubas. He was expected to build a championship caliber team. But he didn’t.
There has been a series of post-season disappointments that will likely push the organization towards a change of leadership, and with it philosophy. I think Dubas made important steps to enhance the talent of his team and did his job in the right way.
However, the lack of playoff success likely changed the team’s direction. I can’t see Dubas remaining in Toronto.
Possible Change #2: It’s also possible that Coach Sheldon Cave will go away
Now that the Maple Leafs have fallen short of the playoffs, coach Sheldon Keefe’s position is precarious. Although I am less certain he will leave like Dubas, he will likely be one of the first scapegoats as a coach. An underperforming team often brings change; And the coach is often one of the first to go.
At the very least, Keefe will face scrutiny for his inability to guide the team to playoff success. From my point of view, there is a little irony in all these movements. Critics will likely say that Keefe had a good team to coach, but he just couldn’t make it. The irony is that the same pundits might take issue with the general manager of not making a good enough team.
I think the organization will at least explore the possibility of bringing in new leadership to the team. I think both the general manager and the coach will work elsewhere next season.
Related: Maple Leafs news and rumours: Woll, Marner, Hildeby and Voit
Possible Change #3: You will see the “Modifications” menu
An early exit from the playoffs, coupled with a looming salary cap, is likely to lead to major changes to the team’s roster. The fans’ biggest criticism was that the Core Four were taking a very high percentage of the organization’s salary cap. This likely means that someone – or two – will be transferred from the team’s Core Four.
When evaluating the performance of individual players and making decisions about trades, signings or departures, the players’ high-paying contract status must be taken into account. Other considerations include when their contracts expire and whether they have “no move” clauses.
If the new leadership focuses on changes to the roster aimed at creating stronger depth points, the four fundamentals will likely be split. I think there is even a chance Auston Matthews can be transferred. It really depends on what he wants for the rest of his career.
Obviously I’m speculating – but…
I’m the first to admit that I don’t have a crystal ball. I also don’t have a deep understanding to really stay abreast of the effects of the salary cap. My suggestions for setting these possible changes are speculative. He simply said, I don’t know.
What I think I’m smart enough to see is the writing on the wall. It’s been there a long time — after losing the postseason he etched it in stone. Given the lack of success in the team’s history, I believe the organization will face tough decisions in the next few weeks. I can’t imagine the moves won’t happen.
After all, the sun will rise tomorrow. At the same time, I hope to still be around for the 2023-24 regular season. I’m getting old.
As always, it should be exciting. Not much about the Maple Leafs and their fans can be called dull.
Related: Is It Time for the Maple Leafs to “Blow It Really Well?”