Media Availability - End Of Season (2022)

[Apex Predator]

I agree, but that goalie will be very hard to find. I'd be fine with a Gibson-Nylander trade.

That’s the problem finding a goalie will be so hard to do. It’s not an easy fix and who knows who’s out there what the price is.

 

[BrannigansLaw]

So what would do in you were in charge? Fire everyone and then go from there?

Screaming for major change made a lot more sense a year ago but they played so well this season and in the playoffs so things are different now. I will acknowledge that they fell short again, call it "failure" if you like but if you don't acknowledge that there were a lot of positives this season and that this playoff loss was a lot different then previous ones then thank god you're not in charge is all I can say.


What changes would you like to see and how do you know what they will or won't change?

I'll go first. If Trotz is available, I think that's worth looking into and I hope Dubas isn't overly loyal to Keefe to the point where he won't even consider this. If he is, then frankly I'd fire him but other than that, I like most of the moves Dubas has made.

We badly need a #1 goalie. I'd even be willing to move a star player like Nylander/Marner if that's what it takes to get it done.

Other than that, I like our team a lot. The bottom 6 came up short in the playoffs so there will be some changes there but that's pretty minor stuff. I hope Giordano's back, love what he brought to the team. So basically the only major changes I'd make are whatever's required to get us a real #1 goalie.

I‘m not sure tbh with you. I agree with you about a #1 goalie that’s gotta be addressed somehow. I’d like to keep Mitch so Nylander would be the guy I’d try to dangle for that. Also a new coach like Trotz or maybe Sullivan if Pitts lets him go.

Again, what we propose on here doesn’t mean those are the only options. Who knows what’s available out there. At that end of the day, Shanahan and Dubas need to figure this stuff out because it‘s their job. Not ours.

 

[Nylanderthal]

They should consult the posters on here for real change and winning formulas?

No but if you’re going to bother posting here at least have the ability to put forth your ideas on how to change it up vs just yelling at the clouds then copping out when asked what they’d do different, it sounds like my ex.

 

[Mess]

How many years now have they identified those weaknesses?

There are no weaknesses only missed opportunities, that will be addressed this off season in the next "Run it Back" campaign. ,

 

[ACC1224]

I'm sure it comes from all the crowing about how Keefe had us on pace for over 100 points, and we were only so low in the standing because of Babcock's slow start....

 

[BrannigansLaw]

I did and I read the ppl who responded to it. You made no sense.

Practice reading comprehension in that case.

 

[The Masters]

There were no votes of confidence for anyone aside the three guys who spoke today, pretty certain they’re looking at every possibility to improve the group on the ice.

nah. tons of excuses and more of the same like previous years. team formula not working yet dubas double downed again. team needs a shake up.

 

[nuck]

Is it the wrong page?

They identified where they were weak:
1) Special Teams
2) Consistency
3) Killer instinct

They are committed to looking at making changes to make the team better and not for the sake of making change. No votes of confidence for the core was given.

What more could you want from the group?

Out for blood, no unity from the group running the team...that doesn't sound like a recipe for success does it?

TBH things like those listed can all be accomplished with no roster changes at all so it does sound like rolling with the same strategy and rearranging deck chairs. They are not committed to making changes, they have three areas they would like to improve on which sounds like adjustments.

Same core, same coach, just nibbling around the edges. Saying no change for the sake of making change means they don't understand or believe change to be necessary so suggesting it just means an irrational knee jerk decision. It absolutely sounds like a vote of confidence for the status quo.

Unity hasn't won them jack but I do agree there is no point in admitting to strategic errors or pointing fingers. Deeds not words. They haven't had enough success to justify standing pat. All we can do is wait and see.

 

[Nylanderthal]

I'm sure it comes from all the crowing about how Keefe had us on pace for over 100 points, and we were only so low in the standing because of Babcock's slow start....

Well Babcock did have them on an 80pt pace at the us thanksgiving mark and they played considerably better afterwards, but they were still at the end of the day the team they were which was statistically tied with Columbus for the wc2 spot

 

[Trapper]

Oh yeah, talking about potential trades and player values etc etc is something that never goes on in here.

How ridiculous of me to ask for ideas from people here.

I think it’s been gone over on this board several times that we would be looking to change a core member for a different core member.

Nothing against JT but if he’d waive his trade clause for sure I’d look at him. That’s unlikely so we have:

Matthews - No
Marner - doubtful before Nylander
Tavares - see above.

Nylander has 2 years left before UFA. I would have no plans to pay him more than his current salary. Not with the 3 above. So we see what is available. A different type of player that holds qualities we feel are important and missing as a whole. Something that injects a shot in the arm to the core. Is it a center? A D? And what is available.

So in addition to upgrading the support with some guys who can contribute more offense in the playoffs, I’m actively shopping Nylander to see what is available.

 

[keonsbitterness]

Uh yeah, I want them to do something significant because replacing role players hasn’t done squat. Why do I need to propose some sort of presentation lol.

Because this is a discussion board, and you perceive there to be a problem.

We'd all love to see the plan.

 

[Nylanderthal]

nah. tons of excuses and more of the same like previous years. team formula not working yet dubas double downed again. team needs a shake up.

I didn’t hear any doubling down, listened to whole thing while moving our turkeys outside for the Season.
What do you expect them to say? “Everyone’s gone, f*** the core heads will roll?” How productive is that? Notice there were no outright votes of confidence for any of the FA’s or about specific players?

 

[Cams]

The jackets and leafs were in a statistical tie in pts% through 70/82 games, not sure where the idea that they were “way better” comes from.
Sweet narrative about Tampas core not showing up, way to squeeze that dogshit tidbit in there

It's because it was Columbus...you know...an "expansion" team

 

[keonsbitterness]

Do any of us have advisors, scouts, contacts all around the league, assistants, player development folks, trainers etc etc

Of course not, but we have brains and ideas, ill-informed though they may be.

 

[TheGreatOne11]

Agreed

Wow, this is perfect, encapsulates exactly how I feel at the moment.

We haven't even made it out of the first round in 6 years and they are talking like we've made all these accomplishments and we are so close lmao.

It is comical being a Leaf fan, it truly is, if you don't laugh you'll go crazy, just start laughing.

No wonder they call us the toronto maple laffs, i mean we pay our players like Chicago did after they won two cups, BEFORE WE EVEN WON A CUP.

It's all a massive charade lol

 

[Kelly]

I agree, but that goalie will be very hard to find. I'd be fine with a Gibson-Nylander trade.

Buddies and I were discussing this as well. I'd try to do it without including Nylander, and shipping him off elsewhere for a pure futures deal to fit in Gibson. It would suck moving Willy... but John Gibson is signed until 2027, at a modest cap hit, and basically solves that entire position for us for the foreseeable future.

It's definitely a trade that actually moves the needle for us a good amount.

How many points did we surrender on the back nine this year because of our goaltending? We could've been staring down the Capitals instead of the Lightning if we didn't forfeit multiple points all while still scoring 4-5 goals a game.

Plus the fact of just having a goalie back there that you're not worried about would be awesome. Had spurts with it with Freddy, but honestly haven't felt totally comfortable with out goaltending since Cujo.

 

[keonsbitterness]

players with NMC have been moved in the past.

Usually players in the last year or two of their contracts on teams that are out of the playoffs.

The Kings are in the other conference, that was never an option.

I got the solution: petition to go back to the other conference!

 

[ToneDog]

Vasi sucked in the first 6 games. If he played like he's capable, this series does not go past 6. Campbell played his normal game and was not bad but couldn't steal one.

Vasi sucked for 5 games and 2 periods. After that, he gave up 1 goal and stopped 13 shots in OT.

 

[TheShape]

I'd much rather have this team than to have to relive the '80s again. Talk about records for losing...... More than half the posters on here crying don't know what losing is really like, and I suspect many weren't even born yet when losing was a part of day to day Leafs fans lives

So you’re all good with watching one losing team as long as they’re not as bad not as another losing team from 40 years ago. Ok then. Thanks for the input.

 

[ACC1224]

Vasi sucked for 5 games and 2 periods. Since the third period of game 6, he gave up 1 goal and stopped 13 shots in OT.

Leafs should trade for him.

 

[Stephen]

Feels like it’s going to be a trimming around the edges business as usual offseason. Not totally satisfying on an emotional level but probably the most straight forward calculation for a really strong regular season team.

 

[keonsbitterness]

No but if you’re going to bother posting here at least have the ability to put forth your ideas on how to change it up vs just yelling at the clouds then copping out when asked what they’d do different, it sounds like my ex.

Your ex sounds....interesting.

 

[Trapper]

Usually for players in the last year or two of their contracts on teams that are out of the playoffs.


I got the solution: petition to go back to the other conference!

I miss the Norris Division. Good times.

 

[Nylanderthal]

Buddies and I were discussing this as well. I'd try to do it without including Nylander, and shipping him off elsewhere for a pure futures deal to fit in Gibson. It would suck moving Willy... but John Gibson is signed until 2027, at a modest cap hit, and basically solves that entire position for us for the foreseeable future.

It's definitely a trade that actually moves the needle for us a good amount.

How many points did we surrender on the back nine this year because of our goaltending? We could've been staring down the Capitals instead of the Lightning if we didn't forfeit multiple points all while still scoring 4-5 goals a game.

Plus the fact of just having a goalie back there that you're not worried about would be awesome. Had spurts with it with Freddy, but honestly haven't felt totally comfortable with out goaltending since Cujo.

He’s been a 900 goalie for 3 years now, that’s worse than mrazek at over 170% more money

 

[The Masters]

I didn’t hear any doubling down, listened to whole thing while moving our turkeys outside for the Season.
What do you expect them to say? “Everyone’s gone, f*** the core heads will roll?” How productive is that? Notice there were no outright votes of confidence for any of the FA’s or about specific players?

well then you should listen again because everything pointed to shanahan and dubas bringing back the same group with incremental changes. There comes a point when you question the team construction and need to make tough decisions. They are content with running it back. i will eat my words if they make a splash but based on these interviews they arent.