News Article: Mirtle: Maple Leafs Ownership Could Make Massive Changes if 'Really Disappointing First-Round Exit' Happens Again in the Playoffs

[The Masters]

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-maple-leafs-ownership-could-make-massive-changes-if-really-disappointing-first-round-exit-happens-again-in-the-playoffs

They lose in the first round, there's going to be pretty big changes. And there could be big changes this year and potentially the year after. (Brendan) Shanahan's got the one year left on his deal. There's a new president of MLSE," Mirtle said.

"There's a lot going on up at the top of the Leafs, and I know for a fact ownership is not happy at all with the performance of the team in the playoffs. Like, they're pissed. If there's another really disappointing first-round exit, they're gonna want blood. And I don't know if just firing the coach is enough. I think they're gonna want more than that."

Click to read more...

 

[Fogelhund]

Hopefully we have success, and it doesn't come to that... but then, I think most of us posters are in agreement, that if they fail again, sweeping changes are necessary.

 

[ACC1224]

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-maple-leafs-ownership-could-make-massive-changes-if-really-disappointing-first-round-exit-happens-again-in-the-playoffs

Are they quoting someone or is that Mirtles speculation?

Seems like someone just looking for attention

 

[HamiltonNHL]

"There's a lot going on up at the top of the Leafs, and I know for a fact ownership is not happy at all with the performance of the team in the playoffs. Like, they're pissed. If there's another really disappointing first-round exit, they're gonna want blood. And I don't know if just firing the coach is enough. I think they're gonna want more than that."

Comedy level lip service / disinformation

If you believed that for one second you’re a gullible fool.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I'll believe that when I see it.

All I feel like they really need is a goalie and a coach that's not an absolute moron.

 

[Aashir Mallik]

I’m good with that, have been for about 3 years lol

If they fall again, it just continues to prove everyone who doubts them right

Tbh a second round exit is marginally better than a first, maybe not at all.

It’s not fully cup or bust, but we gotta at least make the conference finals and compete. No getting swept like that canes do, that shouldn’t be enough

 

[Punch Drunk Loov]

Mirtle is pretty well connected no? He had a fairly accurate read on Dubas and his contract being in hot water if I recall correctly

Honestly I'd have been less upset if we lost to Tampa in 7 last year than make it to the 2nd round and get dusted in 5.

 

[Darcy Tucker]

If this is news to anyone they deserve to buy a subscription to the Athletic.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

About time people recognized what the team is with the core 4 leading the way and grew tired of it.
Best news I’ve heard in years.

 

[ACC1224]

Only change they can make that would have ‘massive’ implications is changing the coach.
This seems like text book click bait.

 

[OddyOh]

I'll believe that when I see it.

All I feel like they really need is a goalie and a coach that's not an absolute moron.

And a #1/2 d-man…we have lots of 4 thru 7’s.

 

[1specter]

Shanahan has been here for a decade so not really surprising at this point. I'd imagine only Treliving would be safe - I do hope they keep Pridham and also leave the amateur scouting alone if / when that time comes.

 

[Leafs87]

I feel like for a professional organization like MLSE this is definitely not a direct quote. If they feel that way I fully understand and agree, just doubt they’d have voiced this, to Mirtle of all people in that exact way

 

[Bomber0104]

He knows "for a fact" that the Leafs ownership have been unhappy with the playoff results but waited until April 2024 to reveal this information?

I guess the well's gone dry of inside scoops for poor Mirtle, back to fishing for clicks/relevancy again.

 

[Rare Jewel]

Good.

Some changes should've already happened, TBH.

 

[WillyC]

This is click bait… IMO, no professional sports franchise would ever speak like that to the media.

 

[Evilhomer]

Only change they can make that would have ‘massive’ implications is changing the coach.
This seems like text book click bait.

It's an article that would only show up in Toronto right before the playoffs start. Just a waste of space. Good thing it won't be relevant when the Leafs get to the conference final.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

This is click bait… IMO, no professional sports franchise would ever speak like that to the media.

Well it’s not like media types aren’t prone to twisting words and sensationalizing.
I’d find it harder to believe there isn’t a considerable level of disappointment amongst the ivory tower gang. They can’t all be blind or have low standards.

 

[sxvnert]

Comedy level lip service / disinformation

If you believed that for one second you’re a gullible fool.

Ownership only cares once they're losing money/ticket sales or the brand is being damaged in some way. Both were happening when Shanny had "the meeting" with ownership years back.

 

[ToneDog]

It's an article that would only show up in Toronto right before the playoffs start. Just a waste of space. Good thing it won't be relevant when the Leafs get to the conference final.

Perhaps somebody high up is indirectly sending a message to Shanny, the coaching staff and players just before the playoffs start. Some might call it a wake up call.

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

Are they quoting someone or is that Mirtles speculation?

Seems like someone just looking for attention

Seems kind of like "My buddy Kyle got the boot...so now Shanny should get it too"...I don't disagree in that Shanny is probably the guy who gets shot out of a cannon...with Mitch in tow if he does his usual thing.

 

[Menzinger]

I tend to predict MLSE decisions to likely favor s more conservative, "don't rock the boat" too much approach when it comes to this sort of stuff

That said it's also worth acknowledging though that Shanny's contract is set to expire after next season..which in turn presents ownership with opportunity and motive to make changes if they do choose

Mirtle is pretty well connected no? He had a fairly accurate read on Dubas and his contract being in hot water if I recall correctly

Honestly I'd have been less upset if we lost to Tampa in 7 last year than make it to the 2nd round and get dusted in 5.

He's not known for click bait or rumor mongering at least not with his written articles. His embrace of stats certainly seems to irritate some people though.

 

[ToneDog]

Ownership only cares once they're losing money/ticket sales or the brand is being damaged in some way. Both were happening when Shanny had "the meeting" with ownership years back.

How much money have they lost by being punted early in the playoffs for 8 straight years ? How many Leafs fans have stopped watching the payoffs once the Leafs are out? At some point, somebody has to say enough is enough and I think the dummies at MLSEL are close to their breaking point. Tre in for Dubas looks like it has made a positive impact on the team. Maybe another first round exit will be a signal that it is time for a change at the top, behind the bench and possibly the core.

 

[mikeyz]

This is really not that surprising at all TBH.

 

[SprDaVE]

I'm fine with Shanahan at the helm because I've seen so much worse with other teams even with the Leafs. He's at least been able to rebuild this mess years ago into something that is a lot more respectable, on and off the ice. People put far too much emphasis on blaming Shanahan for the lack of post-season success and not enough with what he was able to do when he took over. We'll see if his gamble with Treliving pays off, but I think keeping Keefe was a mistake when there should have been a bit of a reset both at the management and coaching level.

With that said, you gotta make changes when success hasn't been there in the post-season. Nature of the business. It is fairly unacceptable to not have been able to reach at least the ECF.