Where do the Leafs go if they blow it yet again?

[atlanticobserver]

I would let Marner walk, try to sign Bennett, re-sign Tavares, and trade Matthews to a team like Anaheim looking to take the next step - something like McTavish/Sennecke/Mintyukov.

Sennecke-Tavares-Nylander
Knies-Bennett-McTavish

Mintyukov-Rielly
McCabe-Carlo

I would let Tavares go. I think his best hockey is behind him. Get a ton of cap, get some younger guys, have a bit of a transition year, take a run at McDavid when his deal is up. Bennett is a move you make if you’re really close. Bennett is prob not good enough to be second or third top scorer on a legit team for 82 games + playoffs. He’s just amazing this time of year. Florida has at least 3/4 guys that they can turn to on offense over him. I agree about trading to an Anaheim, Chicago, Utah, or Buffalo for some young guns. I think this core’s results speak for themselves

 

[Gil Gunderson]

I would let Marner walk, try to sign Bennett, re-sign Tavares, and trade Matthews to a team like Anaheim looking to take the next step - something like Matthews+Cowan for McTavish+Sennecke+Zellweger/Minty

Sennecke-Tavares-Nylander
Knies-Bennett-McTavish

Mintyukov-Rielly
McCabe-Carlo

That’s a lottery team in a year they don’t have a 1st rounder lol.

 

[ExtraLoveSauce]

They need to get brodin and find another top six player somehow and they are complete cap not withstanding

 

[atlanticobserver]

That’s a lottery team in a year they don’t have a 1st rounder lol.

If they’re smart they should call a spade a spade and blow it up. But they probably won’t.

 

[Danarqhy]

Somebody came tonight

 

[jcs0218]

I have a feeling that they will re-sign Marner even if they lose in 6 games to Florida.

 

[Cool Hand Puke]

Back to never ever land...
..

Not even a has been… they’re a neva was…

 

[Greatzsky 99]

They showed up flat to a pivotal game 5 at home after blowing a 2-0 series lead... if they get bounced this year, what can the Leafs do at this point? The effort displayed in this game ON HOME ice is absolutely pathetic.


Are the "big 4" the biggest collection irredeemable chokers in the NHL and maybe of all time? Do the Leafs finally break them up and start shipping out some big pieces?

i wouldnt call them chokers, it just seems that they arent good enough at the highest levels in the playoffs
its just the way it is, this is their peak, it seems.

 

[Cats2TheCup]

They’ll do what they always do: run it back. Come October, Leaf fans will inform the whole world that they aren’t the same old leafs anymore, this is their year, and then…

 

[Mr Nogatco]

I am genuinely surprised. They did look like a different team to me this year.

If they lose in 6 I don’t see how they can keep Matthews. He has to go. Marner too obviously.

People have been saying that about one or the other since 2020. I’ll believe it when I see it.

 

[Cool Hand Puke]

Who’s got the Plan the Parade magazine cover?

 

[Sasha Orlov]

I would let Marner walk, try to sign Bennett, re-sign Tavares, and trade Matthews to a team like Anaheim looking to take the next step - something like Matthews+Cowan for McTavish+Sennecke+Zellweger/Minty

Sennecke-Tavares-Nylander
Knies-Bennett-McTavish

Mintyukov-Rielly
McCabe-Carlo

Anaheim get absolutely fleeced here

 

[RedHawkDown]

People have been saying that about one or the other since 2020. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Every other year it has genuinely been different. This is the last chance Matthews should get as C. New coach, brand new system, overhauled defense, new supporting cast in Knies. The ONLY thing that’s the same about this team is the big 4. If they lose this series, every one of them except Nylander and should be shown the door. Maybe Tavares as I said.

 

[RedHawkDown]

Anaheim get absolutely fleeced here

Apart from his playoff play he’s pacing currently to be an Ovechkin level goal scorer lol. They do not get fleeced whatsoever trading a 50pt 2C with some potential , a recent top 5 pick and a 4D with potential for the best goal scorer in the NHL.

However the playoff bit might hurt his value, but he’s shown what kind of player he is regardless

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Apart from his playoff play

This is super important, they’re trying to build a winning team

 

[RedHawkDown]

This is super important, they’re trying to build a winning team

They’re trying to build a team that can make the playoffs first.

 

[Bizz]

also LOL @ "if"

 

[Reimannsum1988]

Nothing that you can do when the other team cripples your goalie and probably destroys the rest of his life without any penalty from the league.

Stay the course, because it's a good one.

 

[Turin]

Guentzel scored the same amount of playoff goals in his rookie year as Marner has in his career

 

[atlanticobserver]

Guentzel scored the same amount of playoff goals in his rookie year as Marner has in his career

I think Guentzel still has more goals this playoff than both Marner and Matthews and his handicap has dropped three strokes this past week.

 

[DFC]

I think part of this is that Florida is just that good. Buuuuut there are times when the Leafs lack of heart jumps off the screen. I've said for 4 or 5 years now that, come playoff time, Nylander's always the guy who looks like he "gets it."

I think a major retool is in order. Matthews should be the only untouchable, and then go try to acquire the best defenseman you can, and get a Tkachuk of your own. You need some actual fire and guts in your top 6. Can't just be your grinders.

 

[ThePsychicSaw]

Apart from his playoff play he’s pacing currently to be an Ovechkin level goal scorer lol. They do not get fleeced whatsoever trading a 50pt 2C with some potential , a recent top 5 pick and a 4D with potential for the best goal scorer in the NHL.

However the playoff bit might hurt his value, but he’s shown what kind of player he is regardless

Congrats 2 posts in a row that make zero sense

 

[ThePsychicSaw]

In a couple days we'll know whether the series is over or if we're going to game 7. Until then this feels premature.

If Marner/Matthews has two great games and wins the series it would be funny to watch the flip flopping on here.

Russel Westbrook gif please

 

[DamonDRW]

this year it is not them, it is Florida being extremely good

 

[The Expert]

Gotta build from the net out, give Matt Murray the C.