At the end of today's press conference, Shanahan was asked directly if he thinks that the Maple Leafs core four can win a Cup, and instead he talked about the need for significant changes.
Shanahan gave a word salad of an answer, repeatedly referencing the Leafs developing a pattern of playoff failure. Obviously they wouldn't address trading a star player like Mitch Marner outright, but when asked about waiving no move clauses, Shanahan said everything is on the table.
For the first time with this core Leafs group, the town around the team is that this team can not return as is. With Leafs firing Kyle Dubas last year and now Sheldon Keefe this year, it feels truly like an end to an era in Toronto, and major change is truly coming.
Most Matthews and Nylander signed long term, Mitch Marner, Johnny Tavares, and Morgan Rielly will all be on the table. The Maple Leafs will be an extremely big player in the offseason this year, both in free agency and trade.
POLL | ||
10 MAI | 98 ANSWERS Shanahan has shocking answer when asked about belief in Leafs core 4 Do you believe the Maple Leafs core could win in the playoffs, or is Shanahan right? | ||
Shanahan's right, they can't win | 82 | 83.7 % |
Yes, Leafs core can win | 11 | 11.2 % |
See Results | 5 | 5.1 % |
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