The case for the Maple Leafs becoming sellers

"There have certainly been high points, notably the 12-game stretch after firing Marc Savard, but there have also been extended moments in the abyss. The first two months of the regular season doomed their outlook and their current five-game slide has effectively sunk the season. It has left the Leafs on the fringes of the playoff bubble, yet there has been no indication that this year's team has a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup."

"With the Olympic break fast approaching, GM Brad Treliving needs to quickly determine what the plan of attack is for the Leafs for the remainder of the year. It's unlikely the team will be buyers simply due to the fact they aren't a lock to make the playoffs at this stage, so it is either commit to selling off assets or stand pat. In the first of a two-part series, we explore the case for the Leafs becoming sellers at the trade deadline."

"The Leafs are a flawed hockey team that has not been playing inspiring hockey for much of the season. They get routinely outplayed, the shot count is usually in the opponent's favour, and the sum of their parts hasn't been enough to generate sustained success. Even during the times the Leafs were winning games, it was not convincing enough that it would result in future success during the most critical time of the season."

Toronto Maple Leafs season has been inconsistent, with key individuals underperforming and occasional high points such as a 12-game stretch after firing Marc Savard. Poor performance in the first two months and a current five-game slide have left the team on the fringes of the playoff bubble without a legitimate Stanley Cup chance. With the Olympic break approaching, GM Brad Treliving must decide whether to sell assets or stand pat, since the team is unlikely to be buyers. The roster is routinely outplayed, often trailing in shot share, and lacks enough tradable assets to make meaningful upgrades.

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