Three Major Challenges the Next Leafs GM Must Address
Toronto couldn't have picked a worse time to fire their general manager, as they now sit just over a month away from the NHL draft and free agency. With major decisions needing to be made, Dubas' replacement will have their hands full.
Superstars
The first and arguably biggest issue that the next GM will have to tackle is what to do with the 'Core Four'. The group, which is made up of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander, takes up 42% of Toronto's total cap space, and with Matthews and Nylander entering the final year of their deals, the Maple Leafs will have to look at all their options with these four stars.
Goalies, Goalies, and More Goalies!
Toronto has an abundance of goaltenders who could theoretically contend for a spot in the NHL. With Ilya Samsonov likely coming back after a strong first season, the next GM will likely have to move some contracts out of the organization.
The first name that comes to mind is Matt Murray, who had mixed results when he was healthy this past season. It would likely cost the Maple Leafs some draft capital to move the netminder, but it could be worth it if they want to make room for the young Joseph Woll.
Free Agents
No, this isn't about Toronto signing free agents from other teams, but rather how they will address their own pending free agents. Some notable names on expiring contracts include Michael Bunting, Ryan O'Reilly, Noel Accari, Alex Kerfoot, David Kampf, Wayne Simmonds, ZAR, Justin Holl, Luke Schenn, and Erik Gustafsson.
Toronto has some promising young players who've spent time in the AHL, and will likely be contending for roster spots during training camp next season. Whoever takes the helm next will have to decide who stays and who goes as they try to build their roster for the 2023-24 season.
Hopefully, whoever takes over this team has a clear schedule, as this will take lots of work to clean up.
As Seen on The Daily Faceoff
| POLL | ||
Should Toronto Hire Another First-Time GM? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 13.8 % |
| No | 351 | 86.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
