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On the Verge of Winning, Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Take Big Swing

By James Tanner

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks looks to shoot the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period of the game at Capital One Arena on February 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks looks to shoot the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period of the game at Capital One Arena on February 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs cannot afford to play things conservatively.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have several elite players in their primes, John Tavares doesn’t have many years left as a star player, and their roster is built to win now.

It’s time to act like it.

Brad Treliving needs to stop arranging the furniture and order himself a Ferrari.

On the Verge of Winning, Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Take Big Swing

The Toronto Maple Leafs still have a good team, despite being significantly worse today than they were when the season ended.

They lost pretty much all their depth, and Michael Bunting was making $900 K and was one year removed from scoring more 5v5 points than Connor McDavid.  Bunting’s best year is way, way better than Tyler Bertuzzi’s best year, and Bertuzzi isn’t making $900K.

That’s a downgrade no matter what.

Even if you think Max Domi is better than Kerfoot (he likely isn’t) he sure isn’t better than Kerfoot + Ryan O’Reilly.

And John Klingberg can’t make up for Justin Holl, let alone Holl + Schenn + Gustafsson.

Sure, the Leafs will fill the holes, and it’s entirely possible that the addition of Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson and other young players will make up the difference.

But what the Leafs need to do is improve, not just stay the same.

They need to take a big swing.

One which might not work out, but which could make them into the best team in the NHL if it does.

Step one is to trade William Nylander to a team for a recent top 3 draft pick. Could be Adam Fantilli, could be Shane Wright, or Mason McTavish.  Doesn’t matter who specifically, what they want is a potential star player on an entry-level deal.

Then with the cap savings, they package Brodie, Jarnkrok and Matt Murray to San Jose (along with other pieces) and get Erik Karlsson. 

If this works out, they have a star player making peanuts, and they have one of the best defenseman of all-time, one who is coming off a season in which he scored 100 points and was 2nd in the NHL in 5v5 scoring.

One who just won his third Norris Trophy, which is three more than any member of the Toronto Maple Leafs has ever won, at least since 1967 when the NHL expanded beyond six teams.

The Toronto Maple Leafs would fix their cap troubles, avoid paying a scoring winger into his late 30s and bring in the top-pairing super-star defender they’ve never had.

Plus, how fun would it be to watch a team with Morgan Rielly, Erik Karlsson and John Klingberg firing pucks up the ice to Auston. Matthews and Mitch Marner?

Next. Leafs Goalies Ranked. dark

It’s not a guaranteed win, but it’s the best chance they’ve got.  In the NHL you might win if you build a great team, but you probably won’t.  What you’ve got to do is get close and then take a big swing.

It’s time.

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