Leafs Need To Make A Major Acquisition
The Toronto Maple Leafs have failed in the first round of the playoffs the last six years, despite having record breaking regular season success.
With intense pressure to win just even a single playoff series before the Auston Matthews contract expires, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked in the rumour mill to everyone in the league. If he wants to save his job Kyle Dubas is going to have to do something to get this team deep into the playoffs.
Whatever will he do?
Toronto Maple Leafs Should Go All-In
I love trade deadline. Next to the first twenty games of the year, and the playoffs, trade deadline day is my favorite part of the season. Every year it seems like there is a GM willing to pay through the nose in attempt at putting their team over the top only to go out in the first round.
We spoke already about Kyle Dubas' status as a lame duck GM. The Toronto Maple Leafs failure to advance past the first round has overshadowed whatever regular season success the team has had.
Doubt, like a spectre, is haunting Leafs Nation.
WSH, BOS, BOS, CLB, MTL, TBL
From the best to the worst to the best again. The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost to them all. It doesn't matter how good, or how bad their opponent, the Leafs always seem to find a way to blow it.
Usually in even more embarassing fashion than last.
At this point fans are growing impatient and expect big things at trade deadline this year. Another first round failure would be inexcusable. If hockey is a strong link game, it would be in Kyle Dubas' best interest to get the best player available whatever the cost.
Go Big Or Go Home
Recent trade deadline activity has been disappointing for fans. All Dubas has done is touch up the edges and bring in depth. Just the last two years alone says it all.
Dubas traded 1x1st, 2x3rds, 2x4ths, a 5th, and a 6th at the 2021 deadline for Hutton, Foligno, Riitich, Noesen and Nash. Last year Dubas traded Dermott, who is an actual NHL player, and 2x2nd for Giordano and Blackwell.
The results? They lost.
Again.
In total the last two years Dubas traded Dermott, 1x1st, 2x2nd, 2x3rd, 2x4th, a 5th, and a 6th. Almost two full years of draft picks, and a good young cost controlled RFA defensemen, all gone. For one goal and five points in two playoffs series.
Nothing to show for it all.
If Dubas wants to keep his job he needs to make sure to bring in a difference maker this time. A star player. Preferably someone with playoff pedigree. Someone who can help lead this team past the first round and make a real push for the cup. There are no more excuses and there should be no more chances. They've had plenty of time to prove the process.
It's results time.