The Toronto Maple leafs are beginning what could possibly be a summer season of great change after shifting on from one of many group’s most influential figures within the final decade. They selected to not renew the contract of Brendan Shanahan, who served because the workforce’s president and alternate governor since 2014. This resolution may have main implications on the Authentic Six member, however it might additionally have an effect on life for the opposite main sports activities franchise that competes in Scotiabank Area.
“With Brendan Shanahan out, I’m wondering if Raptors will now be allowed to place up photos of their biggest gamers/championship run in bowels of area now,” the Toronto Solar’s Ryan Wolstat posted on X. “Shanahan had been adamant solely Maple Leafs pictures may dangle on the partitions close to dressing rooms, media space, lounge, per sources.”
If that’s certainly correct, then the town will solely spew extra criticism in Shanahan’s route. Even when the NHL Corridor of Famer and three-time Stanley Cup champion is just not liable for sparse Raptors illustration, the concept of obscuring the very workforce the sector was constructed for is unbelievably audacious. Moreover, if not for the NBA squad’s 2019 championship run, residents would have had little to rejoice over the previous couple of many years.
Sadly, although, the Raptors are finally on the mercy of their proprietor, Maple Leaf Sports activities & Leisure. Given Canada’s inextricable relationship with hockey, it is smart for the aforementioned partitions to include a Leafs slant, however there needs to be a line. Once more, if true, this revelation will pile onto the avalanche of unhealthy optics that has engulfed this franchise.
Maple Leafs can not get that signature win
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Shanahan deserves credit score for serving to the workforce get again on its toes after Toronto made the postseason only one time within the earlier 11 years earlier than his arrival. However stagnancy outlined the manager’s reign. Regardless of turning into a daily participant within the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Maple Leafs superior to the second spherical solely twice throughout Shanahan’s tenure. Their most up-to-date exit is particularly agonizing as a result of they duped many followers into believing {that a} true breakthrough had been reached underneath head coach Craig Berube.
Toronto squandered a 2-0 collection lead versus the defending champion Florida Panthers and had been obliterated on their house ice in Recreation 7, shedding 6-1. Mitch Marner and John Tavares — shaped the Core 4 with Auston Matthews and William Nylander — are each free brokers this offseason. This workforce may look fairly completely different, regardless that Brad Treliving is retaining his publish. Maybe the identical may be stated for the within of Scotiabank Area.
Whereas the Leafs enter a interval of uncertainty, the Raptors proceed a rebuild centered round 23-year-old wing Scottie Barnes. A bit nostalgia can solely assist brighten the latter’s locker room and function a reminder of what the younger group is striving towards.
Each franchises are wanting to recreate the glory days, however extra persistence could also be required from Toronto.