I don’t even know where to begin here nor can I imagine being a Leafs fan, I thought it was bad enough dealing with all the drama of being a Rangers fan but this is just something else. I truly, truly thought the Leafs had a chance at doing it this year, they brought in vets like Jason Spezza, Joe Thornton and Nick Foligno, they had everything up and down the line up, it just wasn’t enough. The bottom line is that when it mattered, when the game was on the line, in overtime as well as in game seven, their top players weren’t there. The only one who showed up was William Nylander who led the team in goals, averaging over a point a game.
I think as soon as the Leafs coughed up a 2-on-1 in overtime to cost them game six, it was hopeful to think the Leafs weren’t going to blow it. As soon as the puck dropped for game seven, it just didn’t seem like the Leafs were there. There needs to be urgency, there needs to be desperation and the energy of playoff hockey needs to be evident. This is all what the Leafs lacked in the final game, they played down to what history has defined them as and in what should’ve been a huge step forward for this organization sent them back to square one literally overnight.
So, what went wrong? We talk about how their stars weren’t there and when they were, they were taking over the glass penalties. On top of that, their depth guys weren’t getting it done. Injuries to John Tavares, Jake Muzzin and Nick Foligno certainly hurt this team from the start but again, there’s a reason you’re dedicating almost 30% of your cap to Matthews and Marner, when all the cards are on the table, you need these two to take the game into their own hands. No disrespect to Alex Kerfoot and I wouldn’t dare say a disrespectful thing about Jason Spezza who deserves a cup so much, but those two should not be in your top three for playoff points ahead of Matthews and Marner.
We can hammer on the point that the Leafs by no means should’ve lost this series but what’s done is done. The question now has to be asked, what does the future hold for this team and just how much will the series determine the future of this organization? Toronto has very little cap space to work with, and has several upcoming UFA’s including some very respected veterans who’s futures are uncertain. Not to mention the Leafs have a very difficult decision regarding their goaltending situation with Freddie Anderson being a UFA this off season.
So let's start with the goalies, for the better half of the last decade, Freddie Anderson has been their guy, no question. However, after suffering a knee injury this season, Jack Campbell stepped in and had an incredible run that continued after Anderson was healthy into the playoffs. We mentioned how the Leafs don’t have much room to work with as far as the cap hit is concerned so it’s safe to assume that they will let Anderson, who is two years older than Campbell, hit free agency and hope that Campbell can be their guy for a full season. They also picked up David Rittich at the trade deadline to add depth to their goaltending situation. Rittich is set to hit free agency as well but unless the Leafs have their eyes on signing another goalie, they could look to bring him back to back up Jack Campbell.
The Leafs have a handful of upcoming UFA’s who unless they are willing to take 2 way deals, likely won’t be brought back. Alex Galchenyuk, Riley Nash, Ben Hutton and Martin Maricin. The next group of UFA’s is a tough one, seasoned vets including Jason Spezza, Joe Thornton, Nick Foligno, Wayne Simmonds, and Zach Bogosian. If I’m the Leafs, I look to bring back Spezza, Simmonds, and maybe Bogosian. Joe Thornton’s playing days in the NHL unfortunately might be over. There’s fewer guys in the league that deserve a cup as much as Jumbo Joe but especially in this series, he just didn’t look like he can hang anymore. Nick Foligno will likely either resign with Columbus, who traded him at the deadline, or sign elsewhere for more money than the Leafs would consider giving him. Spezza is the perfect veteran presence, fourth line center. Wayne Simmonds looked at home with the Leafs this year and for the right price, can be a good depth guy, the same with Bogosian.
Next comes the tricky decisions. Zach Hyman, who has been a Leaf for a long time is also set to hit free agency. Letting him walk would be a tough break for Toronto but unfortunately, it’s unlikely they will be able to keep him around unless he takes a huge discount. Hyman can easily collect a big pay day, especially from a team in need of grit and depth scoring aka the New York Rangers. Dealing with their upcoming UFA’s is just scratching the surface of tough decisions for the Leafs. All things considered, there are two big games in Toronto that Kyle Dubas might explore the trade market on this summer. Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly.
Mitch Marner is making way too much money to be as ineffective as he has for this team in the playoffs. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a hell of a hockey player, one of the best but this team needs to do something. If what you have isn’t going to work, find something that will. There’s plenty of teams around the league that would jump at the opportunity to make a trade for Marner and the Leafs can potentially get a huge return for the 24 year old superstar. Another name the Leafs will absolutely entertain offers on is Morgan Rielly, who will be entering the final year of his contract next season. Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren are the future of this blueline and Sandin proved to be NHL ready this season. Tj Brodie, Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl can hold down the blue line along with them, and trading Rielly gives Toronto the potential for another huge return.
All in all, aside from the disappointing end to this season the future in Toronto is still bright. They absolutely have some difficult decisions to make in the off season and will be an interesting team to keep an eye on but regardless, there is always a brightside. William Nylander had a great post season and in the event that they trade Marner, can rely on Nylander to fill that role. John Tavares has plenty of time to recover and will hopefully be ready to go for next season. It’s understandable that this fan base is running out of patience but rest assured, it’ll be worth it in the long run.
Chris Feldman
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