‘They scare … you’: Ex-Sabres coach on facing Maple Leafs’ star core
Former NHL coach Don Granato has offered a clear perspective on what makes the Toronto Maple Leafs both dangerous and vulnerable. Having coached the Buffalo Sabres from 2021 to 2024, Granato understands the challenge of facing Toronto’s star-heavy core. Granato, who helped develop talents like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin , led Buffalo to a strong 91-point season in 2022-23.
Still, the Sabres missed the playoffs during his tenure, leading to his dismissal in April 2024. Speaking during a segment of The Leafs Nation, Granato shared his experience against Toronto and his belief about their identity. He mentioned that while the Maple Leafs possess elite talent, their style of play does not always intimidate opponents.
MORE: Toronto Maple Leafs’ future hinges on ‘quiet guy’ Auston Matthews “Coaching against the Maple Leafs, there were a lot of times I felt like, ‘Boy, they have some assets that, that would scare the hell out of you,’ but sometimes the style they played didn’t scare the hell out of you,” Granato said. “You know, it kept us in the game. ” While Granato was coaching Buffalo, the Leafs were popular for their core four of star players like Auston Matthews , Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares.
So, Granato suggested that Toronto’s issue is not a lack of skill, but how that skill translates into a consistent identity on the ice. This discussion comes during a difficult season for the Maple Leafs. The team has already been eliminated from playoff contention, sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 32–32–14 record.
Injuries to key players like Matthews and the departure of Marner have disrupted their rhythm. Despite solid individual efforts from Nylander and Tavares, results have fallen short, prompting them to fire their general manager, Brad Treliving. Now, the management will have decisions to make in the offseason to make a strong comeback next season.