The Toronto Maple Leafs have made notable changes this offseason, opting for a coaching switch and deciding against pursuing the high-profile goaltender many fans had hoped for. Instead, General Manager Brad Treliving is placing a significant bet on Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz as the team’s goaltending duo for the upcoming season.
It’s surprising that Treliving, who is generally cautious with risks, has staked his career—or at least his and Brendan Shanahan’s job security—on two goalies with limited NHL experience. Neither Woll nor Stolarz has played more than 40 games in a season for several years, making this a high-stakes gamble.
The Leafs are clearly at risk if Woll suffers an injury or underperforms. While this risk is inherent in any team, regardless of their goalie situation, there are three other specific concerns that could spell trouble for Toronto:
**The Toronto Maple Leafs are in trouble if…**
**Mitch Marner isn’t signed before the season starts.**
Failing to secure a contract with Marner would be a catastrophic blunder. Allowing one of your top players to reach free agency is a huge gamble, and it could negatively impact the entire season. The Leafs must finalize Marner’s deal to avoid this major potential setback, as any delay could signal deep issues within the organization.
**The Toronto Maple Leafs are in trouble if…**
**Easton Cowan is not on the roster by the 11th game of the season.**
If Cowan isn’t included by this point, it would reflect poorly on the team’s management. For a franchise aiming for the Cup, it’s crucial to integrate young talent like Cowan, who offers high potential at a low cost. Missing the chance to feature Cowan, who is NHL-ready, would be a significant oversight and a clear sign of mismanagement.
**The Toronto Maple Leafs are in trouble if…**
**Max Domi isn’t playing on the first line.**
Despite the new coaching staff, it’s evident that Domi’s most effective role is alongside Auston Matthews. Domi has shown he can excel with Matthews, and utilizing this combination is essential for optimizing the lineup. If Domi plays even one shift at center this season, it would be a major misstep, given his demonstrated value as a winger. The decision to sign Domi should reinforce this understanding, but the front office’s track record leaves room for doubt about their grasp of his optimal role.
Leave a Reply