There's no room for sentimental value in the Maple Leafs' lineup

"Sentimental value is a luxury afforded to good teams, and the notion of meritocracy can often be a sham. Through the opening quarter and change, the Toronto Maple Leafs are several leaps away from displaying that they are a quality team, despite the collection of some of the world's best offensive talent. Although widespread changes to the roster were largely delivered, the new-look Maple Leafs that were promised to be tougher, or at least deeper in the aggregate, are governed by sentimental value and the frail ideals of seniority."

"With a mandate to win immediately now, laughable as the notion may seem with the Leafs sporting a 9-10-3 record after Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, and there has to be an imperative to place the best roster, regardless of seniority. Max Domi committed a brutal turnover which directly led to Adam Fantilli's overtime goal in Thursday's loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Domi regretted the mistake at Friday's practice, but remained in the lineup. The 30-year-old holds a -11 goal differential at 5-on-5, and his 4.71 goals against per 60 is the 8th-worst mark of any player with 100 minutes or greater at 5-on-5, via Natural Stat Trick, prior to Sunday's games."

The Toronto Maple Leafs display a roster shaped more by sentimental value and seniority than by present performance. The team carries a disappointing 9-10-3 record and has failed to show the promised toughness or depth. Max Domi committed a turnover leading to an overtime goal yet remained in the lineup despite poor 5-on-5 metrics, and Calle Jarnkrok also posts weak defensive numbers while staying in the lineup. Head coach Craig Berube appears to apply accountability unevenly, focusing on younger players. Dakota Joshua has underwhelmed after acquisition, being shuffled through lines and failing to provide expected secondary scoring.

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