For years now, the Toronto Maple Leafs have entered seasons with sky-high expectations, only to come up short time and time again in the playoffs. While any playoff loss stings, what makes things so much more frustrating for this organization is that it has continually come in the opening round. As is well known by this point, they have failed to make it past the first round since 2004.
To general manager Kyle Dubas’ credit, he has tried to make the necessary changes in order to elevate his team’s play in the postseason. Not only has he added pieces both up front and on the blue line in recent years, but he even attempted to help his players not get pushed around by bringing in players such as Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford, though to no avail.
Due to the lack of success, Dubas doesn’t appear to have much time left in his Leafs’ tenure if things remain status quo. There is little reason to believe that this current team will have a different fate in the playoffs, given the rather large sample size with this group in recent years. A big change may be what needs to happen, and luckily for the Leafs’ general manager, it may not be an overly difficult one to make.
Trotz Interested in Coaching Original Six Team
Regarded as perhaps the best coach in hockey today, many were surprised to see that the New York Islanders chose to relieve Barry Trotz of his duties after the 2021-22 season concluded. By all accounts, it was a frustrating campaign for the Isles, though there were several outside factors that played into their struggles.
Nevertheless, Trotz was let go, and he reportedly had a number of suitors this summer. Despite that, he remains without a job, as it is believed he was only interested in returning if a team with a true chance of winning came calling. Interestingly enough, in a recent appearance on The Cam & Strick Podcast, Trotz seemed to suggest he has interest in coaching an Original Six team, something he has never done before.