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Brad Marchand may be correct, but the Leafs can’t be lulled into false sense of security

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Brad Marchand may be correct, but the Leafs can’t be lulled into false sense of security

Brad Marchand may be correct, but the Leafs can’t be lulled into false sense of security

Brad Marchand has spent the majority of his decorated career tormenting the Toronto Maple Leafs. If you’re reading this, you certainly don’t need a crash course on Marchand’s playoff heroics. Marchand has also been effusive in his praise towards the Maple Leafs throughout his career, particularly over this past calendar year, operating as an unsolicited media ombudsman of sorts. And once again, Marchand offered his candid opinion on the 2025-26 Maple Leafs, cleverly adding to the noise.

“I mean, what are we, 25 games in? If you think your playoff dreams are done 25 games in, you have bigger problems,” Marchand said Monday. “I know they don’t think that in the room. With the media attention and the fan support in Toronto, things get blown way out of proportion up there. They definitely don’t think that in the room. What are they? Four points out of a playoff spot? If people are thinking they’re out of a playoff spot for the season, they have to find a new job.”

There are two simple truths: Marchand is correct about the Maple Leafs’ chances and if you were to take him at face value, subscribes to the glass half-full theory. It’s clear that Marchand keeps tabs on the Leafs, and though he’s firmly squared as one of the franchise’s all-time villains, the 37-year-old can appreciate the team’s true talent level.

Here’s the other truth: Some believe that Marchand is constantly trolling the Maple Leafs, and in hindsight, it should’ve been obvious that he was never seriously considering playing out the latter stages of his career in Toronto. And with these most recent comments, the Maple Leafs simply can’t be lulled into a false sense of security, especially at this juncture of this season. I really like my job, and would like to keep it! While Marchand is correct about the Maple Leafs mathematically being able to claw out of a early-season deficit, they can’t take anything for granted in a key divisional game. It may be December, but there has to be a real sense of urgency for the Maple Leafs.

“It should be a good one,” Marchand said. “Most importantly, the points are huge right now. You can’t take a game off. We have to get back to playing the right way for 60 minutes.”

This isn’t the pull quote, nor will it generate national attention, but it speaks to Marchand’s mentality. The points are indeed huge right now, both for the defending champion Panthers, and the talented but underperforming Maple Leafs. Toronto is coming off its most comprehensive victory of the season, a 7-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It received contributions from its depth players and stars alike, along with a stellar performance in net from Dennis Hildeby. If you tend to be optimistic about the Leafs, there were several things the team can carry over into Tuesday’s game, but they can’t be lulled into a false sense of security by a future Hall of Fame forward, who may be even better at winning the psychological battles.

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