NHL analyst warns Maple Leafs to take ‘longer road’ after GM firing
The Toronto Maple Leafs face a defining stretch after the firing of Brad Treliving, with one NHL analyst warning that a quick fix is unrealistic. During a segment on “Jay on SC,” Jay Onrait asked TSN scouting director Craig Button what comes next for the franchise. Button did not hesitate, stating the Leafs must accept a longer rebuild path rather than chase immediate contention.
“I think clearly a recognition of where you are,” Button said. “There is not an offseason that I see where this team could turn around and become a contending team. ” “They don’t have enough skill.
They don’t have enough speed. They don’t have enough depth. Oh, and by the way, they don’t have difference-making prospects.
They don’t have draft picks. ” MORE: Maple Leafs fired Brad Treliving early to avoid leaks, per Elliotte Friedman Button pointed to a thin prospect pool and limited draft capital as major concerns. In contrast, he recalled the 2014 reset led by Brendan Shanahan, when the team built around young stars like Auston Matthews , Mitch Marner , and William Nylander.
“They had Nazem Kadri, top 10 pick,” Button said. “They had Morgan Rielly, top 10 pick. They drafted William Nylander in 2014, top 10 pick.