NHL Insider Reveals What Sets The Toronto Maple Leafs Apart This Season

A lot of changes came to the Maple Leafs this season. Out was Sheldon Keefe, in came Craig Berube, while adding a ton of new faces that have brought great success so far.

It hasn't been lost on fans and analysts either as The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta recently touched on how the culture change for the Maple Leafs has led to their great start:

GM Brad Treliving decided after last year's disappointing first round exit that there were big changes needed in the locker room. It started with booting Sheldon Keefe in favor of Craig Berube; a shift in game plan with a focus on grit over finesse.

Then it was shoring up the defense with Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson two respected veterans who can bring a great mindset and wisdom to a team who doesn't have a lot of playoff success.

Anthony Stolarz was signed in order to bring stability to the crease and though he's dealing with an injury currently, has been lights out this season and one of the league's best.

Also bringing in depth pieces like Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz offer the Maple Leafs more opportunities for their stars to pick their brains given their experience.

It feels like the club isn't walking on eggshells and are allowed to be their true selves on and off the ice. Craig Berube's no-nonsense style doesn't just apply to playing, and prides his players on being healthy, honest and transparent with the team and themselves.

It's a change that sees Toronto sit first in the Atlantic and showing heart where other times they would have given up. It's a completely different team with hope they'll have a different finish than last year as well.