Maple Leafs Hold Important Team Meeting to Address Some Key Issues in the Room

Coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Toronto Maple Leafs won 5 straight games, and were looking like a veritable powerhouse. That is, of course, until they went on to lose their next 3 games, dropping out of 1st place in the Atlantic Division.

Because of the recent slump, the Florida Panthers have been able to open up a 4-point lead on the Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning are now just one point back of the Buds for 2nd in the division.

With how well the competition is playing, the Leafs can't afford to slump now. That's why, according to head coach Craig Berube, the team held a meeting on Sunday to try to nip this in the bud.

Newcomer Scott Laughton hadn't even gotten a practice in before he and fellow deadline acquisition Brandon Carlo were thrown into game action on Saturday night in Colorado.

After the 7-4 loss to the Avs, Laughton shouldered a lot of the blame, despite the fact that he hadn't even practiced with the team yet, showcasing his character, accountability and the high standard he has set for himself in his career.

Meanwhile, Carlo led the team in ice time, PK ice time and shot blocks in his Leafs debut.

Auston Matthews has seen an uncharacteristic dip in goal scoring, likely due at least in part to his ongoing health concerns.

Mitch Marner has brought his game to a whole new level this season, but recent discussions surrounding his contract status have become a bit of a distraction, leading to GM Brad Treliving addressing the media on Sunday for an unscheduled press conference to try to quiet the noise as much as possible.

Tonight's game in Utah will conclude the Leafs' 3-game road trip, at which point they'll begin a 4-game homestand. That homestand begins with a pivotal matchup against the Florida Panthers on Thursday.