Concerns emerge about the relationship between the Maple Leafs and their fanbase
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
There could be a real disconnect between Maple Leafs management and Leafs Nation according to analysts, as things start to reach a boiling point between the two.
It's hard to find a group of fans in pro hockey who are more passionate about their team than the Toronto Maple Leafs. While that has caused some tension at times, you can't argue that even if the team is struggling; the fans still show up.
Their patience has been worn thin a lot this year, and the boos raining down upon the team on Tuesday night were evidence of that. It's caused a disconnect between upper management and the fans which can be a volatile situation.
MLSE and Leafs Nation headed towards messy breakup
It was a big talking point for JD Bunkis and Sam McKee as the two discussed the disconnect between fans and the team, with them concluding that if the two are going to be at odds with each other that's fine.
As long as the team uses it as fuel to fire them up going forward:
If [the Leafs] need to hate the fans right now Good. Feeling's mutual. Whatever is going to be the fuel, I don't care at this point.
While it's a bit overblown to say that either side downright hates each other, you can't help notice that the fan reaction is playing into the team's success even if marginally.
So if there is some animosity between the two parties, how can everyone start getting along?
What can the Maple Leafs do to fix things for fans?
Now, this isn't about tickets and concessions (though those could be lowered a bit too) or any promotions and contests the team has throughout the year, but it's about giving them a product they can be proud to watch.
Toronto is by far the most expensive team to watch in the league when you account for tickets, parking, concessions, and travel. When fans are spending thousands of dollars to come out and want to leave halfway through; that's a really bad look.
It's about the faces of the franchise stepping up and being true leaders, and that's both on and off the ice. If the team loses in a blowout, stop hiding Auston Matthews behind some mythical shield of protection and put him in front of the media.
Let the team own up to their mistakes, and let them prove to the fans they can rectify them. Was Connor McDavid hiding in the locker room when Edmonton struggled? No, he faced them regardless and always had something to say.
When you're charging fans a mortgage payment to watch your team, then you best be putting out a group that will fight tooth and nail regardless of the situation.
Until then, it's going to continue to be a disconnect between the Maple Leafs and their fans and that tension may shift from motivating to infuriating quickly without some changes.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 2303 ANSWERS Concerns emerge about the relationship between the Maple Leafs and their fanbase What should Toronto do to help rebuild the relationship with their fans? | ||
| Lower Prices | 319 | 13.9 % |
| Fire Berube | 162 | 7 % |
| Play Better Hockey | 1281 | 55.6 % |
| Give Tavares Back the 'C' | 541 | 23.5 % |
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