If you think longer term though, the core four is over next year anyways. JT is a modest hit or gone. Reilly isn't a given either for that matter. Plus the cap will go up a decent amount in 2025, so the Leafs have room for the "big 3" If you decide to go that way. Despite the sentiment here, Marner is still a valuable commodity and if Berube for example argues he can get more out of a playoff Marner, he might stay. I said 50/50, maybe it's more he leaves, but this daily slam dunk bitchfest only exists here, it has nothing to do with what is being weighed as we speak and to think.
Oh yes, of course, agree with your sentiment. We may well find out if Berube can get more out of Mitch than the previous two coaches did. I'd personally rather not find out, but, this is all in Mitch's hands. To be clear, I'd rather have success with him than move him, but I've not seen any indication of that being possible.
25/26 is when the next window officially starts. I feel next season is a wash, regardless of the moves made.
Perhaps as you say, as the cap goes up and more space becomes available, we can fill in the gaps around the core-3, but I don't see the 11 million dollar players doing enough to make a difference in the moments that matter. We had glimpses from Matthews, Nylander is a gamer, proven. Marner is the only one who has not come through.... I mean even Tavares has made impacts in big moments despite his (allegid) suck-level.
I am fully mentally prepared for them all to be back. I am going to hate every second of it while I cheer them on. But, if an extension for Marner comes to fruition... my level of excitedness will be low until the team with him can prove they are nothing more than pretenders.
