Editor In Leaf
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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Caring (Or Not) About The Playoffs

By Tim Chiasson

Feb 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) is congratulated by center Nazem Kadri (43) and center William Nylander (29) and center Auston Matthews (34) against the Winnipeg Jets at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Jets 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) is congratulated by center Nazem Kadri (43) and center William Nylander (29) and center Auston Matthews (34) against the Winnipeg Jets at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Jets 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock (center) on the bench during a game against the St. Louis Blues at Air Canada Centre. St. Louis defeated Toronto 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Boehmer’s Take

At first glance, I thought my answer to the question would be an easy one. But, then I thought a little more about it. Why would saying ‘no’ seem compelling? Let’s explore the idea if I were to say no, I don’t care if the Leafs make the playoffs this year.

Answering no could be a way of saying that I’d rather have them do awful for the rest of the season and get another high draft pick. Or just that I care they miss it so we get a higher first rounder.

Is it not entirely bad for them to miss the playoffs and have another shot at the lottery, is it? At the very least, they could have one of the first 14 picks. Maybe they could pick up a solid defender that would fill a hole on the Leafs blue line.

But, I think that’s my only reasoning I could give for me wanting the Leafs to miss this season’s playoffs.

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It’s the only logical reasoning I could come up with why I wouldn’t want them to make the playoffs this year. Now, I’ll explain why I care that they do their very best to make it.

The Leafs organization has worked very hard to get to where they are. They’re in the toss to make it right now and should keep going in pursuit of the playoffs. Their rookies deserve it because of how they’ve played, writing their names in record books. The veterans have felt the youthful exuberance and are showing their true colors.

What about Shanny, Lou, and Babs? The entire Leafs management system. Don’t they deserve a playoff run a little earlier than expected? Yes, they do.

However, if the Leafs had gone all in at the trade deadline or rushed the rebuild, etc. I’d be a little frustrated because everyone who remotely likes the Leafs wants them to do things properly and create long-term solutions. No more short-term fixes.

We know that they didn’t do that, though. Which is good. So, yes. I want them to make the playoffs this year. I care deeply that they make it. It makes sense to give everyone on that team a feel for winning and some playoff experience, more so with such a young up-and-coming core.

Not all in, but give it your all is what I’d tell the Leafs. To some, that might mean the same thing. To me, all in means they would have sacrificed their future for a short-term fix. Giving it your all is trying your best and being the best team they can be.

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