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For the fifth straight year, the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the opening round of the playoffs. This version played well in their seven-game series with the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Nevertheless, their early exit is generating conjecture over possible off-season changes.
ESPN.com’s Kristen Shilton suggested the Leafs lack the killer instinct necessary for playoff success. She felt team president Brendan Shanahan and general manager Kyle Dubas should answer for the club’s ongoing postseason failures.
Whether Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment feel the same way will probably be determined soon. The Leafs’ franchise-best 115-point season should buy Shanahan and Dubas one more season to finally resolve this club’s postseason woes.
Changes will be coming to the roster but don’t expect it to be a high-salaried core player like John Tavares or William Nylander. Free agency and limited salary-cap space will see some depth players moving on during the summer. The Toronto Star‘s Mark Zwolinski reported the Leafs have $77.4 million committed to their 2022-23 roster.
Signing Jack Campbell before his unrestricted free agent eligibility on July 13 is the priority. Zwolinski speculated the 30-year-old goaltender could seek $12 million over three years. It’s more likely he’ll get over $5-million annually on a five-year deal from the Leafs or another club on the open market.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun suggested Petr Mrazek, Alex Kerfoot and Justin Holl as cost-cutti8ng trade candidates. Mrazek carries a $3.8-million annual cap hit but the two years left on his contract, his injury history and inconsistency as Campbell’s backup make him a tough sell in the trade market.
Kerfoot ($3.5 million) should draw interest for his two-way skills. Holl ($2 million) could be enticing for clubs seeking experienced blueline depth.
