Toronto (32-31-13) will miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. It’s the first time during the Auston Matthews era that the Maple Leafs have missed the playoffs, which could spell a summer of seismic change. Toronto fired general manager Brad Treliving on Monday, and MLSE CEO Keith Pelley outlined his criteria for a new president of hockey operations and general manager on Tuesday. It’s widely expected that the new president of hockey operations and/or general manager will replace head coach Craig Berube, with Pelley leaving his fate up to his next hire.
It’s been a nightmare season for the Maple Leafs from the outset. After losing in the second round to the Florida Panthers last season, the Maple Leafs were still expected to be a leading contender for the Stanley Cup, re-vamping their roster after Mitch Marner departed for the Vegas Golden Knights. Auston Matthews suffered a season-ending Grade 3 MCL tear against the Anaheim Ducks on March 12, while the team battled through several injuries throughout the year.
Toronto’s defensive form regressed badly, and it has operated as the Eastern Conference’s worst defensive team for large stretches of the year. During head coach Craig Berube’s second year with the team, the Maple Leafs have completely collapsed on this side of the puck, with only the Vancouver Canucks surrendering more goals this season.
As the Maple Leafs haven’t publicly declared which direction they’re going heading into the 2026-27 season, this may also officially spell the end of an era. With a core of Matthews, Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares, the Maple Leafs were repeatedly one of the NHL’s best offensive teams, a high-scoring juggernaut that habitually underperformed in the playoffs. For the first time in a decade, and for the first time in Matthews’ career, the Maple Leafs will be watching from outside.
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