Toronto Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner
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Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains unresolved, but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes both sides are facing a pivotal offseason that could lead to separation.
Facing questions about his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the team’s end-of-season media availability on Tuesday, the team’s longest-tenured player, Morgan Rielly, made it clear that he’s not thinking about leaving.
The Maple Leafs (52-26-4) finished first in the Atlantic Division with 108 points, six ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning and eight of the Panthers. Toronto then won only its second postseason series in 21 years by eliminating the Ottawa Senators in six games in the first round.
The early exit for the Toronto Maple Leafs means a superstar forward can represent his country at the IIHF World Championship.
Domi languished out of place in the middle. Three consecutive icings by his line in Game 3 spurred the goal that cut the Leafs’ 3-1 lead to one. In other words, it prompted the Panthers’ comeback in a game that could have all but ended the series.
When I say Toronto didn't stand a chance, I don't mean against Florida. Ordinarily, those Maple Leafs could absolutely beat the Panthers. Instead, what Toronto didn't stand a chance against was history. The Leafs were always going to blow this game. There was waaaaaay too much stink involved all around for Toronto to get it done.
Maple Leafs have been projected to win it all under Brendan Shanahan, but can't even get out of 2nd round. Again. That doesn't help Red Wings fans.
This has to be it: the end of the Shanaplan, the end of the Core Four Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s no running it back. Not after this. Not after maybe the most embarrassing loss of this era, which came four nights after the other most embarrassing loss of this era.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be one of the most talked-about teams heading into the upcoming offseason. After another early playoff exit, many around the league are expecting the Maple Leafs to make some big changes across the organization.