Toronto Maple Leafs: Handling the Offseason
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you all this, but covering the Toronto Maple Leafs can be exhausting.
The sheer volume of plot threads this team produces, both on-ice and off, keep the news cycle churning year-round. Normally, that’s great! As a Leafs fan, you’ll never find a shortage of angles to explore, with a stack of Leafs-centric reading material right at your fingertips.
I’d even hasten to say that Leafs coverage, whether you agree with specific opinions or not, is the best in the league. Partially a product of the city’s never-ending array of news outlets (like this one!), no stone is ever unturned.
Have you ever wondered how the Leafs’ powerplay functions on Wednesdays in November when the humidity falls under 30% while it’s spitting outside? Not raining. Spitting.
If you have, I’m sure there’s an article about it.
That being said, we’re now approaching August. And aside from a 24-year-old winger accepting his qualifying offer, not much is going on. Sure, this is largely a product of signing the biggest free agent in modern NHL history only three weeks ago.
Regardless, it’s pretty dead right now.
This reality hit me the hardest this morning. As I sat down at the ol’ trusty computer to write for the day, I found myself grasping for ideas. You can only predict the specifics of William Nylander’s next contract so many times. In the dog days of summer, breaking news does you no favours.
I promise there’s a point to my rambling, and it’s twofold. Basically, I have two questions.
When do you typically begin your summer sabbatical from hockey, if you even take one at all? And, what sort of content are you hungering for the rest of the summer?
Disconnecting
My one-year anniversary of joining Editor in Leaf is fast approaching. I’m sure you all have it marked on your calendars. No? Fair enough.
Anyway, before I began entertaining (or enraging) you folks, my summer disconnection typically lasted only a week or two. Teenagers simply have more free time and energy to pour into their interests. Couple that with a less than active social life, and my hockey addiction abided by no calendar.
Maybe it’s the same for you. Or, maybe you’re completely different.
If you’re smart, you may follow the Bob McKenzie Method™. Once July 1st passes, the Bobfather is booking it to the cottage, throwing his phone in the lake, and spending the next two months doing nothing but sipping margaritas on a dock.
If that’s your modus operandi, allow me to say that, not only are you living life right, I’m also EXTREMELY jealous. Still, I pose this question for a reason.
Since becoming managing co-editor in January, I put a plan in place geared towards propelling this site forward. Doing so cannot be achieved without a finger on our readership’s pulse. It’s you guys who keep the lights on. Gaining an understanding of how you operate the offseason is important. It’s how our coverage can meet your needs.
Which brings me to question two.
Taking Requests
As Ryan Gosling famously asked Rachel McAdams in The Notebook; what do you want?
As the news cycle gradually loses steam (before going 0-60 the moment September hits) a unique opportunity arises. There’s no better time than the present to delve into topics there simply weren’t opportunities to do during the season. Specifically, I want to hear from you.
What type of content are you looking for? What whets your whistle? If our comment section tells us anything, it’s that our readers certainly aren’t lacking in opinions. If you feel something hasn’t been covered enough, or have an observation you want to see elaborated upon, now’s your time to shine.
In my best impression of a used car salesman; help me help you.
Thank You
Above all else, I just want to extend to you a sincere and hearty thank you.
The 2017-18 season was one of incredible growth for Editor in Leaf. The growth of which is aided by all who choose to read it. Be it a fleeting glance or prolonged combing, it’s because of you that we keep chugging along.
So, if your hockey appetite never wavers, bring me up to speed on how we can feed it. Or, if you’re currently 12 margaritas deep, planning on not acknowledging hockey’s existence until Labour Day, that’s fine too. Rest up, don’t forget sunscreen, and above all, enjoy yourself.
You’re going to need it. Because come September, Leafs Nation is hitting a new level.
Next: Trade Value Power Rankings
Thanks for reading!