Former NHLer sounds off on the Leafs, demands a serious run this year
On Thursday, during a segment on the NHL Network, former player Michael Rupp spoke about the Toronto Maple Leafs and how this is a do-or-die season for Buds. Rupp started the segment off by stating the following:
He went on to clarify that this does not necessarily mean they have to win a Stanley Cup, but that they they need to have some playoff success. Given the fact that the Leafs have lost six consecutive first rounds, it is likely a fair comment. If the buds lose another first round, even if they deserved to win, one could certainly imagine a scenario in which the brass at MLSE decides to change who is running their show, starting with the man who oversees it all; Brendan Shanahan.
Rupp went on to remind everyone that Auston Matthews, fresh off his Hart trophy season, is currently only signed in Toronto for another two seasons, seemingly implying that if the Leafs do not find playoff success, Matthews may end up walking. Rupp did go on to admit that is all speculation at this point.
Finally, Rupp talked about the Leafs' goaltending situation. He stated that Jack Campbell was "solid" for the Leafs. While Soupy was a good soldier for the team, one fact that many people seem to forget is that from January 1st on, Campbell wasn't very good. He posted a .893 save percentage, good for 51st out of the 64 goaltenders in the league who played more than ten games in that time period.
For the record, the newly acquired Matt Murray played 14 games and had a .912 save percentage in that same stretch. Although, Ilya Samsonov posted a save percentage of .887 in 26 games during that same stretch. However, with so many inconsistencies and a history of injuries that Rupp did not mention, one can see why the Leafs didn't re-sign Campbell, but instead went to two cheaper, shorter term options. Whether or not it works out, we will have to wait and see.
The former tough guy Michael Rupp played parts of eleven seasons in the NHL, spanning from 2002-2014. In that time, he played 609 games, tallying 99 points (54 goals & 45 assists), and served 855 minutes in penalties. Once he retired in 2014, the now 42-year-old began serving as an analyst, a role he has held ever since.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 5 | 945 ANSWERS Former NHLer sounds off on the Leafs, demands a serious run this year If the Leafs lose another first round, who should get fired first? | ||
| Brendan Shanahan | 169 | 17.9 % |
| Kyle Dubas | 484 | 51.2 % |
| Sheldon Keefe | 128 | 13.5 % |
| Nobody! | 164 | 17.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
