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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Tear Down

The first thing that has to be done it to completely tear everything down.

Literally, from staff to players, rip it all down.

In the Leafs case, they did this and then some.

Look no further than the logo redesign/new jerseys and honoring past players by retiring their numbers.

If it’s old and doesn’t work, replace it and that’s exactly what happened.