Toronto Maple Leafs Brad Treliving must be excused if he required time to wipe the sweat from his brow over the past few weeks. Such is life in Toronto as the general manager of a star-laden team still searching for an extended playoff run to excite a championship-starved fanbase.
The rumors run rampant at this time of year. Fans of contending teams across the NHL wonder what player their team might acquire that will lead them to Lord Stanley.
There has been no shortage of speculation on how the Leafs can supplement their roster as the postseason nears. Treliving has undoubtedly been working his phone for ways to improve.
The problem is the Maple Leafs don't have the prospect or draft pick resources to land a player that will move the needle on their title aspirations. Don't fret about the lack of a big move, because there are much more important issues that will determine how the Leafs fare come spring.
Why the Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Deadline Moves Don't Matter
Before the 2024-2025 NHL season started in October, there was a "Last Dance" feel around the Toronto Maple Leafs. The pending 2025 summer free agency of core players Mitch Marner and John Tavares and a new coach in Craig Berube gave was a referendum to this group: get results when it matters. Nothing has changed.
For all the hand-wringing over who should be traded away or acquired, it doesn't matter. The Leafs postseason success will come down to the play of their stars and goaltending. It's a tired cliche, but it's also true.
The Maple Leafs will go as far as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and their goaltending duo can take them. Sure, some lesser players will need to play above expectations and contribute, but the stars are key.
First, Matthews must get healthy. Injuries have robbed him of his dominant, Rocket Richard winning form. It has resulted in a shooting percentage well-below his career average. If he is laboring during the final stretch of games, the Leafs must look for spots in the schedule to rest him.
Next, Marner must carry over the play from his career year into the postseason. His 4 Nations tournament proved he is capable when the spotlight shines brightest.
Nylander must continue to elevate his play and come through when games hang in the balance. He has proven it with multiple overtime game-winning goals during the regular. Repeating it during the playoffs is a necessity.
Chris Tanev needs to get back in the lineup and be a steadying defensive presence. His addition has brought an improved confidence and demeanor the Maple Leafs blue line.
Finally, Anthony Stolarz, the leader in the race for starting playoff goaltender, must continue his dominant first season as a Leaf. Joseph Woll needs to rediscover his form from last season's series versus the Boston Bruins.
The excitement or disappointment of late-season transactions will fade. All of the aforementioned factors are much more critical to the Toronto Maple Leafs playoff success.