The Toronto Maple Leafs fired assistant coach Marc Savard back on December 22nd, and the media finally heard from one of the players regarding this move. Following a 6-3 win over the Penguins on Tuesday night, William Nylander spoke to the media, and the answer he gave is one many wouldn't expect. The Maple Leafs' power play has been terrible this season, clicking at a mere 13%. This is good for last in the NHL. This has been shocking, as it has been a strength of the Leafs in past years. The story hasn't been the same, as it has consistently been a downfall night after night. The previous three-game round trip before Savard's firing, the Leafs went 0-10 on the man advantage and finished the road trip 0-3-0. Yes, Savard's responsibility is the power play, and he has to take a great deal of blame for their performance; however, it is not solely his responsibility. The Maple Leafs' stars have struggled to score and play the way everyone expects. William Nylander's shocking comments William Nylander, following their win Tuesday night, was asked about Savard's firing, and Nylander responded with, "He's a great guy, sad to see him go. But I mean, we've been struggling. So In guess that's the first step to make a change for the team." Although Nylander is not wrong in mentioning that the Leafs have struggled on the power play this season, and Savard hasn't done the best job, what has upset a lot of Leaf fans is the lack of accountability and the need for the players to be better. Going forward The Maple Leafs currently sit dead last in the Atlantic Division. The Leafs as a whole, from Brad Treliving to Craig Berube to all the players, need to better from this point forward. Everyone needs to be held accountable, as they can't afford to waste time. The power play struggles can't just be blamed on Marc Savard; the players will need to be better going forward, and we will truly see if it was Savard's fault or not. The Maple Leafs could get back into the playoff picture if they dig deep and play like the team we know they can be. The Maple Leafs will face off against the Ottawa Senators in the Battle of Ontario on Saturday night. It will be the fi rst time the two teams have faced off since the playoffs last season.

Team Canada will start their run at the World Juniors on Boxing Day against Team Czechia in Minnesota. The Maple Leafs will have Ben Danford representing Team Canada, and Victor Johansson representing Team Sweden. The Maple Leafs have had most of their roster perform at the World Juniors in the past. Max Domi's performance back in 2014-15 was something Canada will remember forever. Max Domi's domination Team Canada had a stacked World Juniors roster that season and cruised to a gold medal-winning run. They had players of the likes of Connor McDavid, Sam Reinhart, Brayden Point, Shea Theodore, Darnell Nurse and Josh Morrissey, to name a few. Team Canada was filled with speed and skill and will go down as one of the greatest World Juniors teams ever. One player who played a vital role in their run was Max Domi. Over seven games, Domi had five goals and five assists while being a +10. Max Domi was named the IIHF top forward at the World Juniors. The domination would continue for Domi back in the OHL as he finished that season with 102 points in 57 games for the London Knights. Max Domi played on the first line alongside Sam Reinhart and Anthony Duclair. The trio was unstoppable as they combined for 14 goals. In a gold medal matchup against the Russians, Domi was a standout player, scoring one goal and assisting on two goals to hold off the late push of the Russians. He led the way for Canada the entire tournament. Domi was also named to the Media All-Star Team alongside Sam Reinhart, Connor McDavid, and Josh Morrissey. The career fall off Max Domi was projected to be an NHL superstar, and this performance solidified that feeling. Unfortunately, Domi was not able to translate his junior success into the NHL, as he has bounced around seven different teams, with his longest stint being with the Maple Leafs for three years. Domi has had a career high of 72 points in 2018-19. His next closet was his rookie season with the Arizona Coyotes, with 52 points. The Maple Leafs are hoping to see great play from both Danford and Johansson in this year's World Juniors. Team Sweden will start their tournament play on Friday afternoon at 1:00 against Team Slovakia.

It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been struggling to put the puck in the net. When their stars aren't taking over the game, it is hard for the Maple Leafs to win. Their bottom six is built upon big physical players that grind the other teams' lines to wear them out by the end of the game. Players like Dakota Joshua, Steven Lorentz, Nicolas Roy, and Bobby McMann are not going to produce goals night in and night out. However, the Maple Leafs do have Nick Robertson, and he hasn't been producing to the capabilities that we all know he can, or was supposed to. The Leafs simply need more out of him to be a true Stanley Cup contender. From OHL star to NHL player Nick Robertson was drafted back in 2019, 53rd overall. He was a superstar in the OHL, scoring 55 goals in just 46 games during the 2019-20 campaign with the Peterborough Petes. Robertson was looking like an absolute steal for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He developed well and made his NHL debut in the bubble against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Robertson scored one goal in four games for the Leafs. The future was looking bright. Later down the road, Robertson struggled to find his footing with the Leafs, suffering many injuries and not playing to his potential. Although the early part of this season went well for Robertson, he has taken a step back and has struggled to stay in the lineup at times. Craig Berube acknowledged his early start, but also said that he has regressed. If the Maple Leafs want to be a playoff team this year, they will need more scoring up and down the lineup. The Maple Leafs have struggled to score as of late, costing them many games, ultimately slipping down to last place in the Atlantic Division. The reason I'm writing about Robertson stepping up is that all of us know what kind of player he can become. When given the right opportunity, Robertson can thrive, but he can't at a consistent rate. He has struggled to play good hockey as of late and looks invisible on a night-to-night basis. The Leafs need more from Robertson The Maple Leafs could also use Robertson on the power play. The Maple Leafs have the worst power play in the league, converting at just 13%, well below the NHL average. All good teams in the NHL can use the power play to their advantage and can win games when their five-on-five play isn't great. This was something the Leafs used to do really well; their power play was always near the top of the league, which made them such a successful team in the regular season. But now with the Leafs struggling to score on the man advantage, they will need more of their lineup to contribute. With the stars not scoring, Robertson has a golden opportunity to prove that he can score and be a good player in the NHL. If Robertson can continue to work hard and find ways to score, he can be a really productive player in the league. But until he can find that next gear, he will be stuck in the same position. The Maple Leafs need Robertson to be better and more effective going forward.

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the Christmas break in a difficult position. They sit last in the Atlantic Division and second-last in the Eastern Conference. Despite how bleak that sounds, the margin is not insurmountable. Toronto is just five points out of a Wild Card spot and six points back of a divisional playoff position. A strong two-week stretch could quickly pull the Leafs back into the postseason conversation. Changes already made General manager Brad Treliving believes the season can still be salvaged, and the organization has already taken steps to spark change. Assistant coach Marc Savard was relieved of his duties, largely due to the Leafs owning the worst power play in the NHL. For a roster built around elite offensive talent, that simply was not sustainable. Some positives have started to emerge. Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua are beginning to find chemistry, while Matias Maccelli has looked noticeably stronger since re-entering the lineup after being healthy scratched for much of December. Perhaps most importantly, the Leafs welcomed back Chris Tanev after missing 23 games with an upper-body injury, a return that immediately stabilizes an injury-riddled blue line. The Maple Leafs' power play is an area that needs to get better, fast. Without a good special teams, it will be very hard to win games. Their power play can win them hockey games and keep them in games when they are not scoring five on five. The Maple Leafs problem is that they are not doing either, so it's almost impossible to win games unless your goaltenders only allow one goal a game. Special teams remain the most urgent issue. Without a functioning power play, winning becomes extremely difficult, especially when five-on-five scoring has also dried up. Toronto cannot rely on near-perfect goaltending every night just to stay competitive. Stars must step up That said, the Leafs must play significantly better going forward. What they showed before the break will not be enough to make the playoffs. Still, the pause may be exactly what this group needs both mentally and physically. A reset could help a team that has looked tight and disjointed find its rhythm again. The Leafs’ stars must also elevate their play. William Nylander finally contributed offensively in Tuesday’s game, snapping a lengthy scoring drought. Auston Matthews, however, has not looked like the dominant force fans are used to seeing. His shot lacks its usual danger, and his production has dipped below superstar standards. John Tavares has shown signs of age, though flashes earlier in the season suggest he can still be effective in the right role. Matthew Knies also needs to respond. After earning his new contract, his play has trended downward, becoming increasingly quiet in recent weeks. He doesn’t need to carry the offence, but stronger, more consistent efforts are required—especially alongside elite linemates. Ironically, the Leafs’ bottom six has been one of their strengths. Scott Laughton has looked rejuvenated and has provided reliable depth scoring and late-game minutes. That contribution must continue if Toronto hopes to climb the standings. Goaltending health will also be critical. Anthony Stolarz has been sidelined since November, and his absence has been noticeable. Stability in net could be the difference between a surge and another collapse. What must improve after the break Finally, Treliving may need to act. This roster, as currently constructed, is not a true Stanley Cup contender. A legitimate top-six winger is needed. Max Domi is not a long-term solution on the first line. The defence could also use another top-four option, especially with injuries continuing to test the group. The path forward is clear but demanding. If the Maple Leafs want to save their season, it will require buy-in from everyone, from the stars to the depth players to the front office. The push begins after Christmas, and there’s little room left for excuses.

The Maple Leafs will now move forward without assistant coach Marc Savard. Savard joined the Leafs’ coaching staff in 2024 alongside Craig Berube, reuniting after the two won a Stanley Cup together with the St. Louis Blues. Before his time in Toronto, Savard also served as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals and was the head coach of the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. The reasoning behind the firing The firing was a straightforward move the Maple Leafs wanted to make a change. Their season has not gone the way anyone expected, and that is no secret. Toronto currently sits last in the Eastern Conference and is six points out of a playoff spot. Savard’s primary responsibility with the Maple Leafs was the power play, which has been a major issue all season. The Leafs’ power play ranks dead last in the NHL and has directly cost them games. For a team with this much offensive talent, being in that position is unacceptable. Over the past few games, the Leafs tried shuffling personnel in hopes of sparking the man advantage, but the results never came. During their recent three-game stretch, the power play went 0-for-10, highlighting just how broken it has been. Ultimately, this was the first and easiest decision for the Maple Leafs to make as they look for answers in a disappointing season. Potential replacement Craig Berube will now need to find a replacement for Marc Savard, and the Maple Leafs may not have to look far, as Bruce Boudreau has already surfaced as a potential option. Boudreau is a highly experienced NHL coach who most recently coached the Vancouver Canucks and previously held head coaching roles with the Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, and Minnesota Wild. He won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 2007–08 and owns an impressive career coaching record of 617–342–128, making him one of the most successful coaches of the past two decades and a candidate who could bring much-needed direction and offensive structure to the Maple Leafs’ staff. Past accolades Boudreau would be a strong fit with the Maple Leafs. He is highly knowledgeable, brings a wealth of NHL experience, and has a reputation for connecting well with players. He also has ties to the organization, having played seven seasons with the Leafs from 1976 to 1983, recording 27 goals and 42 assists for 69 points in 134 games. Boudreau could provide immediate structure and creativity to a struggling power play and would likely take on a more impactful role behind the bench than Marc Savard did, giving Toronto a steady, respected voice at a critical point in the season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs finally welcomed back Chris Tanev after he missed 23 games with an upper-body injury, and his return couldn’t come at a more important time. The Leafs have struggled badly during his absence, especially defensively, and the blue line has looked disorganized, soft, and overwhelmed far too often. Tanev’s return gives Toronto something they’ve lacked for weeks: stability. What the Leafs have been missing Tanev was injured against the Flyers and has been out since, leaving a massive hole on the Leafs’ back end. While the team tried to patch things together with different pairings and call-ups, it never truly worked. Defensive breakdowns became routine, odd-man rushes piled up, and the Leafs’ goaltenders were left out to dry night after night. Simply put, the Leafs are not built to survive without a true shutdown defenceman, and Tanev is exactly that. What makes Tanev so valuable isn’t offence or flash. It’s his ability to defend, block shots, kill plays early, and calm things down in his own zone. He plays heavy minutes, wins puck battles, and does the dirty work that rarely shows up on the stat sheet. Since his injury, the Leafs have badly missed his presence on the penalty kill and late in close games. Why his return matters His return also helps everyone else slot into more natural roles. Defencemen who were being asked to do too much can now settle back into positions better suited for them. Pairings become more balanced, and Craig Berube can finally trust at least one pairing to handle tough defensive assignments. Beyond the ice, Tanev brings leadership. He’s a veteran who plays the game the right way, and on a team that has lacked urgency and accountability, that matters. With the Leafs fighting to stay alive in the playoff race, getting a player like Tanev back sends a message that this group still has a chance. If the Maple Leafs are going to turn their season around, it starts in their own end. Chris Tanev’s return doesn’t fix everything, but it gives them a fighting chance.

The Toronto Maple Leafs still have clear holes in their lineup that are preventing them from taking the next step. While the core remains talented, this roster lacks key pieces that championship teams rely on. The good news? Those answers may already exist within the division. If the Buffalo Sabres begin to slide in the standings, new general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen could be open to making major changes. That could create an opportunity for the Maple Leafs to strike. Since the departure of Mitch Marner, Toronto has lacked a true top-six winger who can consistently elevate Auston Matthews. The offence has dipped, and Matthews has struggled to dominate without a high-end partner on his wing. Adding a legitimate scoring threat could be the key to unlocking his game again. Alex Tuch: A perfect fit for Matthews One name that continues to surface is Alex Tuch. While Buffalo is currently on a hot streak, sitting just a few points out of a playoff spot, things can change quickly. If the Sabres revert to their earlier struggles, Tuch could become available. Tuch is in the final year of his contract and may not commit long-term in Buffalo. That makes him an intriguing trade target. This season, he has 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points, but just a year ago, he scored 36 goals. While the numbers don’t scream superstar right now, his skill set would translate perfectly in Toronto. A line featuring Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, and Alex Tuch would be big, fast, and difficult to play against. Tuch also fits Craig Berube’s system. He’s physical, responsible, and effective in all situations. The price would be high, but the impact would be immediate. Owen Power: A change of scenery candidate Another intriguing option is Owen Power. The former first-overall pick hasn’t lived up to expectations in Buffalo, but that doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all a player needs. Power is a smooth-skating, puck-moving defenceman who can log heavy minutes. He’s also a Mississauga native who grew up in the Toronto area, which could make a move appealing. His seven-year, $8.35M AAV contract is the biggest hurdle, but moving players like Max Domi or Matias Maccelli could help create cap flexibility. Power would fit nicely in Toronto’s top four. Pairing him with Jake McCabe could provide stability, while a pairing with Oliver Ekman-Larsson could unlock more offence. In either scenario, Power brings upside that the Leafs currently lack. Path forward Moves like these wouldn’t just help the Leafs now, they’d position them better for the future. Whether it’s adding a proven winger like Tuch or betting on Power’s untapped potential, Buffalo could hold the key to Toronto’s next step. If the Sabres decide to sell, the Maple Leafs should be ready.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the middle of one of their most frustrating stretches in recent memory. Losses continue to pile up, effort levels are being questioned, and most concerning, the team’s stars are nowhere near their usual standards. That reality has sparked an uncomfortable but inevitable question: have the Maple Leafs quit on head coach Craig Berube? When a roster loaded with elite talent consistently underperforms, the focus inevitably shifts to leadership behind the bench. And right now, too many warning signs suggest Berube may be losing his grip on this group. William Nylander’s alarming drop-off No player embodies the Leafs’ current issues more than William Nylander. Once Toronto’s most dynamic and engaged forwards, Nylander now looks detached and disinterested most nights. He has gone 11 straight games without a goal and is a minus-6 over that stretch, numbers that reflect both a lack of production and commitment away from the puck. Whether Nylander has checked out on Berube or the situation entirely, it’s clear something isn’t clicking. A coaching change could spark a turnaround, but whether that happens in Toronto or elsewhere remains to be seen. Auston Matthews’ offence has taken a step back Auston Matthews’ situation raises similar concerns. Since Berube took over behind the bench, Matthews’ offensive numbers have noticeably declined. Between 2021 and 2024, Matthews scored over 60 goals twice and was widely viewed as the most dangerous goal scorer in the league. Under Berube, the emphasis has shifted. Matthews has been praised for his defensive responsibility, but that’s not why he earns over $13 million per season. Toronto needs Matthews to dominate offensively, tilt the ice, and change game things he did consistently before the coaching change. While the Leafs did win the Atlantic Division last season, this year has been a significant step backward. Matthews looks less explosive, less assertive, and far less threatening than fans have come to expect. Is a coaching change inevitable? When multiple star players underperform at the same time, it’s rarely a coincidence. Whether it’s system fit, messaging, or emotional disconnect, the signs point to a team that may no longer be fully buying into its coach. Craig Berube is a proven NHL coach and Stanley Cup winner, but that doesn’t guarantee long-term success with every roster. If the Leafs believe their core is still capable of contending, a coaching change may be viewed as the only realistic way to salvage the season and possibly prevent further damage to player confidence and value. If the current trend continues, Toronto’s front office may soon be forced to decide whether sticking with Berube is worth risking another lost season in what’s already becoming a wasted era of Leafs hockey.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Monday evening that they have relieved assistant coach Marc Savard of his duties. Savard joined the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season. Head coach Craig Berube hired Savard to run the power play, which has seen success with the St. Louis Blues during their Stanley Cup run. For a franchise that once prided itself on elite special teams, this move feels less surprising than inevitable. The Maple Leafs’ Struggling Power Play The decision comes after a brutal three-game road trip in which the Maple Leafs failed to earn a single win . While Toronto’s issues extend beyond one area of the game, the power play has been impossible to ignore. The Leafs currently sit dead last in the NHL with a 13.3 percent success rate. A stunning fall for a team that featured one of the league’s most dangerous man-advantage units just a few seasons ago. Toronto’s inability to capitalize on the power play has cost them many games this season. Zone entries have been repetitive, puck movement has lacked urgency, and shooting threats have been minimal. Opposing penalty kills have looked far more dangerous at times. Naturally, questions have arisen about whether the departure of Mitch Marner played a role in the decline, but the issues run deeper than personnel alone. Who Will Replace Savard? As the Maple Leafs have fired Savard, it remains unclear who will replace Savard behind the bench. That decision will fall largely on Craig Berube, who is now under increasing scrutiny himself. While Berube is firmly on the hot seat, there is no immediate indication that another coaching change is imminent in the coming days. Still, the margin for error continues to shrink. Savard departs Toronto after a lengthy NHL career as a player, appearing in over 800 games with the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, and Atlanta Thrashers. His firing signals a clear attempt by the organization to spark change. The Maple Leafs return to action Tuesday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It represents their final opportunity to head into the Christmas break with some momentum and perhaps a sense of direction after a turbulent stretch.

William Nylander has endured a difficult stretch with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it has become increasingly noticeable. He has been held pointless in his last three games and simply doesn’t look like himself. Careless turnovers, inconsistent effort, and a lack of urgency have replaced the pace and confidence that defined his strong start to the season. On paper, Nylander’s numbers are respectable. Through 31 games, he has 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points, along with a minus-2 rating. For most players, that production would be praised. However, given Nylander’s role, expectations, and nearly $12 million cap hit, the eye test suggests his recent play has not been good enough. Nylander's brutal post-game comments What has raised more concern is Nylander’s demeanour away from the ice. In his post-game media availability following Sunday night’s loss, he offered little emotion or accountability. Nylander insisted that his game is trending and that chances are being created, but for a player of his calibre, chances alone are no longer sufficient. Nylander also hasn't been in either a losing streak or points streak like this in the NHL. He doesn't quite know the answer to this. Management and fans are looking for results, not moral victories or almost-goals. Not the only Leafs star Nylander is not alone in his struggles. Auston Matthews has looked out of sync, Morgan Rielly has appeared lost defensively, and Matthew Knies has been largely invisible. The Leafs’ core has failed to drive play when it matters most, and the results are showing in the standings. Toronto will get another opportunity to respond Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, in what will be their final game before the Christmas break. With the Leafs sitting last in the Atlantic Division and six points out of a playoff spot, urgency is no longer optional. Time is running out, and if Nylander and the rest of the core cannot elevate their play soon, this season could slip away faster than anyone anticipated.