The Toronto Maple Leafs board is waiting for the regular season to end to pave the way for major decisions for the franchise.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, “no one feels safe” right now within the organization after the team started the season with the goal of making the playoffs and ended up with a significant decline.
“There’s going to need to be some change that comes from that. I just don’t think there’s any way around it,” Johnston said on the Tuesday edition of “First Up.”
Coach Craig Berube continues to push Leafs to finish “with their heads held high”
The insider explained that although there was chemistry and cohesion last season, it has not been felt this year. That said, he assures that head coach Craig Berube “continues to push the team and urges them to continue to be competitive and to finish the season with their heads held high.”
According to Johnston, changes could occur in the front office, recalling that the franchise has missed a man like former president Brendan Shanahan, or at least another experienced piece alongside general manager Brad Treliving.
Fans have expressed their frustration with the timidity with which the board has handled this situation in Toronto. The fact that there “could” be changes in the front office will surely bother more than a few who perceive the situation as urgent.
The franchise is clearly at a turning point, and next season could be defined by the decisions made in the offseason. It doesn’t seem like the Maple Leafs have a clear direction, and that is never a good sign.