Insider reveals the deciding factor in Toronto as to whether or not the core will remain intact
For the last 4 or 5 years, people have referenced the Leafs' "Core 4" ad nauseum. However, when new GM Brad Treliving was asked about the idea of moving a member from the core on Thursday, he was quick to dismiss this idea of a "Core 4", stating that it's not about 4 players, or 2 players or even 1 player - "it's about the Toronto Maple Leafs". Treliving wants to dispel the idea that the Leafs' core consists of only 4 players. He wants to build more of a team-first philosophy and, honestly, it's about damn time.
In terms of whether or not all 4 would be back next season, Treliving emphasized that talented players are the toughest thing to find in hockey. Trading one for the sake of trading one will not necessarily improve the team or change their fortunes for the better. He did, however, keep the door open to moving one when he admitted that they will look at everything this summer.
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Treliving's decision could come down to what the contract demands of Auston Matthews and William Nylander are - as well as getting an early preliminary idea of what Mitch Marner might be looking for on his next deal before his full NMC kicks in on July 1st. All 4 of the Leafs' big guns have expressed their desire to remain in Toronto. However, if the contract demands from Matthews and Nylander are too lofty, or if Marner gives any indication that his next deal may be a touch unreasonable, we are almost certain to see a change.
"One Toronto source said something very interesting on Thursday: the true tell to whether the Maple Leafs core stays together is more about their contract wishes than anything else. As I've said many times, I believe Matthews will extend, but not at maximum term (could be anywhere from three to six years, I'd guess). Treliving's true challenge is trying to get it done before July 1, when his no-trade clause kicks in. It's going to be a big number, likely the highest AAV in the NHL. So, the question then becomes: what does that mean for Mitch Marner and William Nylander? I think that's the real question." - Friedman on the Leafs' core's chances of staying together
The Leafs are the most top-heavy team in the league as far as the salary cap is concerned. Thankfully, the cap should begin to rise significantly starting next summer, but if the Leafs' star players aren't willing to take a bit less than what the market value will be, it's going to be very tough to keep them all together and still manage to ice a competitive roster. Since Treliving and Shanahan know that it's about being in the playoff picture each and every year, I can't imagine they'll want to risk over-committing to players who want too much money and their preferred term when it comes at the cost of being able to win.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 246 ANSWERS Insider reveals the deciding factor in Toronto as to whether or not the core will remain intact What do you think are the chances of one of the Leafs' core players being traded this summer? | ||
| 25% or less | 68 | 27.6 % |
| 26%-50% | 51 | 20.7 % |
| 51%-75% | 62 | 25.2 % |
| 76%-100% | 65 | 26.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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