One disappointing season can change the conversation around an NHL franchise, and the Toronto Maple Leafs know that better than anyone.
After watching a long playoff streak come to an abrupt end, Toronto enters the new campaign facing questions that won’t disappear until the team proves it belongs back among the Eastern Conference contenders.
While optimism has started to build around the organization again, one NHL voice believes the climb back may be much steeper than many expect.
Bruce Boudreau Raises Doubts About Maple Leafs’ Playoff Credentials
Former Vancouver Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau isn’t convinced the Maple Leafs will be playing postseason hockey next spring.
During an appearance on Leafs Morning Take, the veteran coach admitted he’d like to see Toronto rebound but doesn’t believe the roster, particularly the defense, is currently built to make that happen.
“I really don’t think they will. I want them to, okay, there’s a big difference there,” Boudreau said before outlining the biggest issue holding the team back. “I just don’t think their defense is good enough yet.”
Rather than questioning Toronto’s offensive firepower, Boudreau focused on what happens before the puck ever reaches the forwards. He argued about the team’s defense in the NHL’s expanded schedule with two more games, saying, “I think it’s old, and with 84 games, I think it’s going to be tough sledding on those guys.”
Boudreau believes today’s NHL demands defensemen who can quickly transition the puck and support an attacking style, something he isn’t sure this version of the Maple Leafs can consistently do.
“Berube wanted to have a real good defensive team. Hiller in LA had a good defensive team. But I mean, these guys have still got to get the puck to the forwards if they want to score. So you’ve got to play a little more upbeat. I don’t think they can, and that worries me a little bit.”
These comments come after Toronto endured one of the sharpest declines in franchise history.
The team followed a 108-point division-winning season with a 32-36-14 finish, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Defensive breakdowns, inconsistent goaltending, and Auston Matthews’ season-ending MCL injury all contributed to a year that unraveled down the stretch, including a winless April and a seven-game losing streak to close the schedule.
The organization, though, responded aggressively.
After being hired as the new general manager, John Chayka added Sergei Bobrovsky to stabilize the crease, selected Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick, and brought in Darren Raddysh, Emil Andrae, Nick Paul, Colton Sissons, and Jack Roslovic to reshape the roster.
Behind the bench, Jim Hiller takes over with Daniel Alfredsson joining the coaching staff, signaling a new tactical direction.
Even with these changes, Boudreau remains unconvinced that Toronto has solved the issue he considers most important.
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The Maple Leafs may have added talent and experience, but in his view, their ability to defend, move the puck efficiently, and survive the demands of an 84-game season will ultimately determine whether they return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
