While the team is arguably better than last season, I don't think this team is better than either the 2023 Leafs or 2022 Leafs were going into their respective playoffs. And sure, more moves could be made, perhaps during the season even, but the team has no picks from rounds 1-4 in 2025... It very much feels like this is just gonna be another transitional year that gets burned while they hope that Berube and an improved defense can be enough to give the Leafs an extra gear. However, the forward group is worse after losing Bertuzzi and not adding anyone of note up front.. I just don't see this group getting past the second round at best. And in terms of where Toronto stacks up in the East, I think the Rangers, Devils, Panthers are all certifiably better, and Boston / Tampa / Carolina will continue to give this team fits as they usually do. This is probably a 5-7 seed.
And sure everyone can say 'what was he supposed to do about Marner's NMC', well that's exactly why they needed to seriously look at moving him a year ago and they failed to do that. Shanahan deserves to be fired.