"Do right by Auston Matthews. Does he need surgery, rest, a playmaking right winger who can help out in all three zones? As much as Auston Matthews also needs to step up the team isn't going to be at its best until Auston is put in a situation where he looks like he can put up 60 goals again. If that's not possible at all anymore the Leafs problems are bigger than we think."
"Write Easton Cowan's name in permanent marker on the lineup card. There isn't any reason why the Leafs top prospect should be put in the press box to make sure that Calle Jarnkrok is getting his reps. Cowan can outplay most of the Leafs veterans and while he still has plenty to learn, it's learning he has to do on the job."
"Get younger. Immediately this includes keeping Cowan in the lineup, but as much as possible trying to do the same with Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson. It means finding a way to get Jacob Quillan, a point per game player in the AHL, into the NHL, and it means more opportunities for Henry Thrun and William Villeneuve on the Leafs third defensive pairing."
Prioritize Auston Matthews by evaluating surgery, rest, or acquiring a playmaking right winger to restore conditions for 60-goal production, because team success depends on his effectiveness. Permanently insert Easton Cowan into the lineup so top prospects receive on-ice development instead of sitting in the press box. Accelerate youth integration by giving Matias Maccelli, Nick Robertson, Jacob Quillan, Henry Thrun, and William Villeneuve NHL opportunities to replace aging veterans. Seek trade destinations to maximize value for free agents such as Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Calle Jarnkrok rather than retain underused players. Take advantage of available salary-retention spaces to facilitate moves and roster flexibility.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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