Mike Johnson believes Maple Leafs need ‘longer-term rebuild’ to win Stanley Cup

“There are two answers. Are we trying to get back to the playoffs? And if that’s the case, then it’s pretty easy. I think they could almost return the same team and get around the playoffs again, all with better luck, better health and just sort of a normal year,” Johnson said. “Getting to the playoffs is a long way from winning the Stanley Cup, so if you’re trying to win a Stanley Cup, I think you need to explore a longer-term rebuild. Those are two drastically different paths, and I’d likely have to factor in Auston Matthews in this calculus to see what he is on board for.” 

There are many aspects of this season for the Maple Leafs that could be dissected as the biggest issue. Johnson points to one specific component that the Maple Leafs must fix if they want to see more success next year. 

“They have to be so much better at advancing the puck up the ice. In a nutshell, to me, that is it. That starts from their own end, stopping guys, then passing it up the ice, skating through the neutral zone, generating speed and attacking up the rush,” Johnson said. “You can’t defend and then play chip and chase. It’s an almost impossible way to play for 82 games, and your best players kind of hate it. They get caved in every night, and that is because of the way they currently move the puck up the ice.”

Johnson has been working as a colour commentator, working alongside Gord Miller on TSN’s main hockey broadcast team. Johnson has routinely been heard on Maple Leafs games that can be found on TSN, while also working World Junior Championship games. He has been mentioned in hockey circles as someone who could work in a management role if he decides to switch professions. Johnson was asked if he could see himself making that leap down the road. 

“I would be curious to explore that. I love my job. I’m not looking to change it, but I think anyone who’s been around hockey a long time would be curious to see what it would be like to be in management to see if they would be successful,” Johnson said. “I think I would be able to bring ideas and execution that would help an organization. I’m not actively out there, but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought and chatted about it.”

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