All Bets Are Off On Toronto This Offseason
TSN Hockey Reporter Mark Masters and TSN Hockey Analyst Chris Johnston discuss the summer for the Toronto Maple Leafs and what to expect after their Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
** NHLRumors.com transcript
NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Head Coach Position and Brendan Shanahan
Mark Masters: “What kind of season is expected in Toronto?”
Chris Johnston: “You know, all bets are off. It’s hard to say as we stand here, after this game, to say where it’s going, but you have a new person with Keith Pelley at the helm of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. You have another year left in this spine.
You know Auston Matthews had a 69-goal season, and William Nylander was just shy of 100 points in the regular season. These guys have been at their best all year, and it’s been another year. It’s such a sinking feeling that you didn’t win the Stanley Cup.
I mean, they didn’t come close, did they? I mean, the tournament will continue for six more weeks, and the Leafs will be well into their first season, one of the teams left to lift the trophy. And I think the hard questions have to be asked. Sheldon Keefe’s future remains to be determined.
NHL Rumors: If The Toronto Maple Leafs Lose…
I think the fact that I have to say that they came back from the series after being beaten 3-1 and looking a bit dull will reflect well on the coach. I mean they obviously tightened up the defense in Games Five, Six and Seven. All 2-1 games and then, Matthews, sorry, Marner and Tavares, each going into the summer where they can be extended.
I mean, it sounds like there’s a lot in the air. Last year, remember Brendan Shanahan came out two days after the season and said we’re keeping everything the way it is. I’m not sure that that message will be sent here in the coming days, and I don’t think it should.”
Maple Leafs Press Conference This Week
Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Season: The Maple Leafs will hold their end-of-season player interviews with the media on Monday, starting with coach Sheldon Keefe at approximately 11:30am ET.
The administration will address the media on Thursday.
