Over the last nine seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs have consistently made the playoffs. However, over that period, the Leafs seldom made it past the first round.
This year, the story has been so nightmarish that calling it one of the team’s worst seasons is no stretch. Things have been so out of control in Toronto that the possibility of franchise superstars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander moving cannot be ruled out entirely.
Questions Arise About Auston Matthews and William Nylander’s Future in Toronto
Last season’s Atlantic Division leaders are almost unrecognizable now. By Dom Luszczyszyn’s estimates, the Leafs are expected to finish this season with 83.4 points. Toronto hasn’t fared so poorly in nine years, barring the COVID seasons.
Injuries to key players at different points, a relatively dormant front office that eventually led to the termination of Brad Treliving, and the abrupt exit of Mitch Marner; there are several explanations for the Maple Leafs’ season from hell.
As the Leafs drag themselves through this season, which has already crossed the point of no return, questions surround the fate of key players like Matthews and Nylander. According to veteran Toronto columnist David Alter, there is a good 60% chance they both stay back, leaving a 40% chance they bid farewell to the Leafs.
“I would say that’s a 60% chance they are both on the opening day roster,” Alter speculated, appearing on NHL Now. He added that Matthews and Nylander will, as expected, play a big role in any discussion of their future, given their elite status and, of course, their no-move clauses.
If Matthews does not return for training camp, Leafs fans may have already seen the last of him. While that is an emotional slope, a lot of what awaits the franchise in the future depends on whether management decides to dabble in a retool or go full rebuild mode.
Of course, if a retool is what Leafs management has in mind, both Nylander and Matthews can be expected to stay back. “If it’s gonna be a retool, and the Leafs executive can get someone who feels a retool can work, then they are gonna keep those guys,” Alter concluded.
For now, focus will turn to Toronto’s GM search. A number of names have been lobbed as potential replacements for Treliving, but as things stand, Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment boss Keith Pelley will ensure there’s a thorough search before landing on what could be his most crucial hire in this role.
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