The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most storied franchises in NHL history. From Stanley Cups to recent moments, Toronto has always been in the limelight of the league. However, things have gone from bad to worse extremely quickly, and the organization may be forced to make some unpopular moves to get this team back on track. Is it as simple as making a move or two or are we looking at a complete tear down?
Do they make a coaching change?
Head coach Craig Berube is in his first season as coach of the Maple Leafs and so far it is one he wants to forget. He has shuffled lines at forward and on defense. He has changed goaltenders. He has called timeouts and given them a lesson with a shouting match. This has all been ineffective as the team continues to lose games and confidence.
Could Toronto make a head coaching change? Absolutely but that would not change the result on the ice. Could they make a major trade? Of course but they do not have any options of players to trade. Berube will likely be out of a job unfairly but unless the product on the ice changes a new coach will yield the same results as Berube.
Limited options for trades on the current roster
Sitting in last place of the Atlantic Division with a 15-15-5 record things must certainly change. However, if you are looking for Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving to trade Auston Matthews, John Tavares, or William Nylander you may be waiting awhile. They are the cornerstones of this team and will not be moved yet. The players who could be moved are Calle Jarnkrok, Bobby McMann, or Scott Laughton, who are unrestricted free agents in 2026-27.
In 2027-28, the list of unrestricted free agents includes Philippe Myers, Dakota Mermis, Marshall Rifai. If any trades are made to shaken things up these players will be the ones moved, not a star player. Things get complicated for Treliviing as a major shakeup is likely to get this team back on track but options are limited on making a big, bold move. Until something changes this roster will stay intact they have to be the ones to change the luck on the ice.
It has been awhile since the Maple Leafs have run into this kind of luck. Players, not the coach, have to dig their way out as the head coach can only do so much. Have the players turned their back on Coach Berube? Or is it that they are waiting for a trade to be made? Either way, this is not your typical Toronto team. They look defeated. They look lost. They look like they are waiting for the offseason and they are playing like they have given up.