Toronto Maple Leafs: The Only Offseason Decision That Matters

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot on their plate this summer, but there is only one decision that actually matters: Music.

The Toronto Maple Leafs turned a lot of heads last season and it wasn’t just because the John Tavares thing wasn’t a prank. Also joining the team were Daryl Hall and John Oates.

The musical duo’s 1980 hit You Make My Dreams became the team’s goal song in the fall.

As the soundtrack for the “Do you wanna go do karate in the garage?” scene from Step Brothers, the song is so cheesy it’s funny. Now, it’s celebratory.

The big question this offseason is: Are they going to change it?

Despite Auston Matthews’ approval and the collective “you-hoo, you-hoo” heard among the stands, some fans just don’t feel it. Personally I’m not one of them, but I decided to hear those fans out and ask what song they want to hear after every home goal next season. Here’s what I got:

Start Me Up – Rolling Stones

Listen here.

This one came from my uncle, a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, who believes there is one section of this song that sums this team up perfectly.

"If you start me up I’ll never stopNever stop, never stop, never stopYou make a grown man cryYou make a grown man cryYou make a grown man cry"

This song may be about something… else… but the underlying message is the same: You can’t be stopped when you’re on a roll.

Next season, Kyle Dubas will be coming off an impressive first year as general manager and will be more comfortable in his position. He’ll get people signed, traded, drafted and what have you, knowing fans are hungry for more than just the first round of the playoffs.

There are just a few parts of the team that have to be cleaned up – just a few – and then we’ll finally be on that roll.

I Feel Good – James Brown

Listen here.

"When I hold you in my armsI know that I can’t do no wrongAnd when I hold you in my armsMy love won’t do you no harmAnd I feel nice"

This is kind of in tune with You Make My Dreams in that they’re both old songs that have an old-timey feel. The Stones are timeless in my opinion and are recreated by many bands today, but a song like I Feel Good is one of a kind. And it’s a classic.

The Enforcer – Monster Truck

Listen here.

Last season, this was the Toronto Maple Leafs goal song. Some fans want it to make a comeback. This music style certainly fits in with the sport, but that’s about as far as it gets.

"And on it goesSomeone begs for a broken noseUnder the lights, my justice reignsCrossing my line will put you in painYou’ll be praying to God, “When will it end?”This is not a fight you can win here, my friend."

This screams Nazem Kadri. I know this isn’t Lyrics 101, but this song doesn’t make sense to use when it only speaks to a guy who’s been reprimanded time and time again for his temper and inability to put the game before revenge. He might not even be here next season. So who’s going to break noses, Mitch Marner?

Keep It The Same

“It’s a very feel good song and honestly got me pumped in the playoffs,” says Darius, a friend of mine, of You Make My Dreams.

“I’ve been conditioned to cheer whenever I hear those songs,” says Grace, another friend, also referring to Right Back Where We Started From.

In addition to these guys, keeping things how they are could work in other teams’ favour – it’s a very troll-able song. It’s not entirely hype, as it’s been described to me, but it’s fun.

Some other songs that have been shared with me are Another One Bites The Dust, Don’t Stop Believin’, Whatever It Takes and Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).

Personally, I’d love to hear the Backstreet Boys every home game. That’s my pick.

What’s yours?