Leafs Coaching, Goaltending, and Defense Have Huge Questions
While the Leafs core remains intact (perhaps, not for long), new coach Craig Berube was hired for a fresh approach. His impact won't be felt until next spring when playoff results will determine the success of his addition.
In goal, the Leafs have the intriguing Joseph Woll, full of potential, but with a litany of injuries on his bio. The 2024 free agent cupboard is bare, so the Maple Leafs are looking into trade possibilities.
The Leafs have bounced from Frederik Andersen to Jack Campbell to Ilya Samsonov to Joseph Woll during the Matthews-Marner-Nylander-Rielly era. That's a lot of goaltenders, most of who had a penchant for inopportune soft goals.
Treliving's options are to acquire a top-notch goalie this offseason through trade while relinquishing valuable assets or gambling that some big name netminders reach free agency in 2025.
Choosing to go with Woll and veterans on minimal deals such as Martin Jones is also an option for the upcoming season. It's better than losing important pieces for someone like Juuse Saros.
Trading for Saros this offseason, with only one year remaining on his contract, is a reckless gamble without some assurance that you can sign him to an extension.
By acquiring Jacob Markstrom (a Treliving favorite) the Leafs at least get two seasons from him before he also hits free agency. Then again, he is over five years older than Saros.
Either way, Treliving must get the Maple Leafs goaltending situation sorted out.