The Maple Leafs are entering the stretch that decides who survives the season
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs are entering the most defining week of their season and the results could reshape the entire roster if they don't turn things around.
It is not a pretty season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as the team currently sits 9-10-3 and sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division -- a stark contrast from their dominating performance a year ago.
Injuries have made things hard but the team has not clicked the way they were expected to and the usual errors combined with some unusual defensive miscues has brought frustration all round.
How this stretch forces the Leafs' stars to decide the season's direction
Craig Berube has the faith of the GM, but that can only go so far and right now he needs to be feeling at least a bit of pressure, and going forward it's going to get even harder.
From December 2nd to Dec. 8th, the team plays Florida, Carolina, Montreal and Tampa Bay. Three of those four are division rivals, and history has not been kind to Toronto when they've played them either.
Toronto needs to give themselves a fighting chance and take at least one or two from their division rivals, because any losses will sink them further in the standings.
Florida is struggling sure, but they are missing key players and have been ravaged with injuries, yet still hold a 12-9-1 record. Carolina is atop the Metropolitan Division, and both Montreal and Tampa are holding firm in the Atlantic.
Toronto's only response is to come out flying against these teams, keep the foot on the gas and do not get complacent once they get a lead. Far too often Toronto will score a couple of goals, and play on their heels.
That leads to a lot more mistakes, which opponents have been able to take advantage of in recent games. Toronto has given up 82 goals this season, fourth-most in the NHL and that's with Joseph Woll's solid performances.
Without him, their defensive numbers could look even worse. Thankfully, the team is slowly getting their injured back but with no definitive timeline, there is still no clear indication of when they will be able to make a meaningful impact again.
Once they return and settle in, it may give the team enough stability to avoid drastic moves.
Why these games will determine if Treliving buys, sells, or does nothing
Toronto has to pull up their socks and needs contributions from every line and pairing. It can't be up to just John Tavares and William Nylander right now. Matias Maccelli, Max Domi, Bobby McMann and Dakota Joshua have to start producing.
Otherwise, the Maple Leafs are going to be in a difficult position with an underperforming roster and unclear short-term direction, and no way to dig themselves out of a bigger hole.
If the team falters in the first week of December, it could push Treliving to consider moving players who haven't found consistent roles and cut their losses while they can still get something for them.
If they somehow begin a winning streak, the team also needs to avoid overcommitting resources based on a short winning streak thinking it'll be enough to get into the playoffs -- especially if the issues lie deeper than just the roster.
If Toronto stumbles through this stretch, Treliving may feel pressure to reshape the roster before Christmas and this stretch could influence which direction he chooses.
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