When the calendar flipped to 2024, things were starting to look up for the Toronto Maple Leafs after ending 2023 on a low note. They swept their California road trip and dismantled the San Jose Sharks when they returned home, getting four straight wins in the process. After an average season with ebbs and flows, this was the kind of play many expected the team to have.
Then came the next stretch of games.They were up 3-1 on the New York Islanders and ended up losing 4-3 in overtime.
They had a scorching start, going up 3-0 in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche. Then the Avalanche scored five unanswered goals.
The Detroit Red Wings showed up two hours before their game because of weather issues. Instead of taking advantage of the situation and building off a 2-1 lead, the Maple Leafs lost it in the third, losing 4-2.
Up 2-0 on the Edmonton Oilers. You guessed it. Another blown lead and the Maple Leafs lost 4-2.
Four games where they had a lead– three with multi-goal leads– and the Maple Leafs couldn’t find the ability to hold onto for the win. There were a number of defensive miscues and bad plays within their zone that led to a loss that should’ve been avoided. Even though they’re third in the Atlantic Division, instead of winning another four games, the Maple Leafs find themselves searching for answers as they have only four wins in their last 11 games.
Insider Questions Being Major Buyers
At this time of the season, we see who can emerge as buyers ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. General manager Brad Treliving has a long list of needs in order to improve this roster with the glaring issues they have, especially on defense. It makes sense to make moves, but given how they’re in a playoff spot, should they really be major buyers?
On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman brought up a conversation that he had at the beginning of the season on whether the Maple Leafs should really be buying this season. Given how things have unfolded with not just their recent play, but how they played all season, Friedman is bringing up that same question now if they really should be active withwith the very few assets they have. (05:35 mark)
The Maple Leafs have been linked to a top name already in play in Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. He’s exactly what the team needs as he provides stability and plays a strong defensive game within his own end. However, if the Maple Leafs aren’t willing to pay a big price for a big-name rental, then they could change their course of direction. Tanev is a free agent and could be a target in free agency. If they do make moves, what could they do?
The one area they could address without having to give a whole lot up is to improve their forward depth, by getting faster overall and adding more consistency in the bottom-six, especially the fourth line. The Maple Leafs have gone two routes with their fourth unit and the results haven’t been in their favour. Here are their two most used lines at five-on-five.
While Noah Gregor provides great speed, they need to start producing more and spend more time in the offensive zone. The fourth line gets hemmed in their zone way too often and could use major upgrades. More importantly, finding someone that can bring an edge consistently while still playing to a high standard. While he may be a third line option, Alexey Toropchenko, can prove to be a great addition as a result.
Making smaller more effective moves could definitely be beneficial. However, given how the defense hasn’t got the job done this season, it’s a major priority and can’t be ignored.
Play not Reflecting Being Buyers
Jeff Marek in the same episode said an old adage that managers use and said, “Team’s make the decision whether we’re buyers or not.” Simply put, if you’re playing well, the team will get rewarded. If not, then things can drastically change. We’ve seen teams get rewarded in the past as a result of their play on the ice. To this point, nothing suggests that for the Maple Leafs as their play hasn’t reflected that.
