Toronto Maple Leafs: The 10 Stages to a Rebuild in the NHL

Apr 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Matt Hunwick (2) and forward Connor Brown (12) in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his goal against the Washington Capitals with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Matt Hunwick (2) and forward Connor Brown (12) in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are on their way to becoming a great team.

I say on their way because it’s clear that the Toronto Maple Leafs rebuild isn’t over and they’re not there yet.

Yes, they’re miles ahead of where they were a couple years ago, but they’re only part of the way up the mountain.

Since Brendan Shanahan took over, a lot has changed and for the better, I might add.

More from Editor In Leaf

  • Lou Lamoriello
  • Mike Babcock
  • Mark Hunter
  • Kyle Dubas
  • William Nylander
  • Mitchell Marner
  • Auston Matthews
  • Dion Phaneuf/Phil Kessel departure

You get the point, a lot has gone down.

But, one question I hear often is, what are the stages of a rebuild in the NHL?

I’m going to try and answer that here and then later today, I’m going to tell you where the Leafs are in theirs.

Let’s get right into it.