The Only 4 Things the Toronto Maple Leafs Have to Do This Summer
The Toronto Maple Leafs are about to embark on the biggest off-season in franchise history.
That might sound like hyperbole, but I don't think it is. The Toronto Maple Leafs currently have the best player in their franchise history on their roster, and he is just entering his prime.
Matthews will be 27 this season, and while players like Matthews tend to be great well into their thirties, the Leafs now have a three years window where Matthews where it's likely Matthews will be at his best.
Given that Mitch Marner's future with the team is bizarrely up in the air, and that Tavares and Rielly aren't getting any younger, this off-season has the feeling of being incredibly important.
With that said, there are four main things the Leafs have to left to do. If four seems like a weird number to choose, it's because they already did the 5th thing - hire a coach.
Four Things the Toronto Maple Leafs Have to Do
1. Trade for a Goalie
Brad Treliving didn't just drop the ball last year, he self-destructed and pretty much single-handedly ruined the Leafs season.
After a terrible summer where he didn't address the team's goaltending or defense concerns, he entered the season and appeared to spend the year relaxing.
Sure, he signed Matthews and Nylander, but when it came to improving the team, he did about as much as I did, maybe less since his deadline performance hurt the team.
The one thing Treliving ignored last year was the goaltending, and he can't afford to do that again. Stop-gap efforts won't be enough. The Leafs need a legitimate star goalie.
2. Sign Nikita Zadorov
It's a high risk, high reward play. Zadorov is huge and could sign a massively stupid contract. It could be one of the worst in the NHL. He could also be the next Zdeno Chara. It's worth a swing and a miss here.
3. Resolve Marner Situation
Obviously this is a major one, but one way or the other the Leafs need to resolve it. Trade Marner or extend him. Just don't enter the season with him on an expiring deal.
4. Get Rid of Kampf/Reaves
This shouldn't be too hard, but it might cost a couple of draft picks. These contracts were dumb and easily criticized the second they were signed. They worked out exactly as I thought and now they need to be jettisoned.
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If the Leafs can do all four of these things, it will be a successful summer.