"The idea that the question of whether a coaching upgrade might be beneficial has already been "asked and answered" with this Leafs team also doesn't adequately account for the amount of roster turnover in the past couple of years, including the departure of a certain 21+ minute lineup centerpiece this past summer."
"Some fans and media are seemingly jumping to the conclusion that the organization should blow it all up 22 games into the season with a 28-year-old Auston Matthews under contract with term, a 29-year-old William Nylander tearing it up, a 22-year-old Matthew Knies producing at over a point per game, and John Tavares still very much an offensive force."
"Now, the Capitals' defense, especially with the Leafs ' current injuries to Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo, is superior. It makes an obvious difference in many areas, including moving pucks out of their end."
Calls for rebuilds, tanks, and fire sales are premature with key players under contract and performing at high levels. The team retains a young core including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, John Tavares, Joseph Woll, and promising prospect Easton Cowan. Coaching changes have been limited in recent years, and recent roster turnover — including the summer departure of a 21+ minute lineup centerpiece — complicates quick judgments. Radical teardown would only make sense if enormous trade returns were available. Current possession gaps versus some opponents reflect defensive differences and the impact of injuries to Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]