Speculation: where do you stand?

[meefer]

I'm curious. Much has been made about the team this year, its GM, the coaches, the on ice product. People taking positions and arguing back and forth. We tend to break it down into small areas for discussion and apply those 'micro' involvements to support an overall position. But, we never come out and state what we think of the TEAM. So here's your chance, do you like the direction the team is heading, or not? It's a simple question, let's not get bogged down in details, those discussions can be pursued in other threads.

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[Cor]

We’ve been one of the best teams in the league since we’ve got a coach that believes in the roster being built and willing to play it the way it’s meant to be.

It’s not perfect. I don’t think anyone would say it is. But as a whole? This is still one to the most talented teams we’ve seen since... possibly ever (given the early 00’s and mid 90’s teams were more grit based).

Is there work to be done? Yes
Is this a good team? Yes

 

[Kingstondude84]

Where do I stand, this is a tough one

This team is loaded with skill, and has enough of it to win a cup. However I have serious questions about this teams mental maturity! It wasn't that long ago when they went up against adversary with Babcock, instead of being professionals, they acted like a bunch of spoiled brats who quit on their own team. Lord knows I'm no fan of Babcock, but while hes gone, the same mental issues remain, what happens when they encounter their next bout of something they don't like?

I'd say this team is "good", on the right track, but they also badly need some maturity on this team, leaders who go to war for each other.

 

[ULF_55]

They are headed in the right direction.

This year to form the nucleus of their team, next year learn to play some defense.

It ain't there yet!

 

[Clark4Ever]

We still have deficiencies regarding our defensive play and overall physicality, but since Keefe took over, it's hard not to like our current trajectory. We have an elite record since then and the team is still adjusting to his system, so there's more room for improvement as well.

 

[meefer]

Thanks to those who quickly responded. I was thinking about refining/clarifying my idea of what is good or bad, but you've taken it in the spirit in which it was offered. Can't ask for more, carry on if you wish.

 

[Wafflewhipper]

Roll out the carpet to the conference finals minimum! There is no end to our depth and the high end talent is second to none. Highest scoring team in the league now with Caps.

***** giving up less shots now***** huge important trend that we needed to see. Good a chance as any we win it all this year. Just a force now that playing to their strengths. Keefe’s Leafs look different

 

[Kingstondude84]

We still have deficiencies regarding our defensive play and overall physicality, but since Keefe took over, it's hard not to like our current trajectory. We have an elite record since then and the team is still adjusting to his system, so there's more room for improvement as well.

This team is based on skill/attack/speed, turnovers/poor coverage at times will always be an issue. The one thing I have noticed is that we aren't hemmed in nearly as much as the Babcock era,and shots against are down by a significant margin too.

 

[Pookie]

Short Term
They are fine to finish high in the regular season. Same as they were to start the year.

Wasn’t sold on the prospect of a playoff run... under Babcock or Keefe. Dubas has work to do.

Long Term
Solid pieces assembled by Burke, Nonis, Lou, Hunter and Dubas.

Just not sure they fit together under the massive salary disparity we have.

Also not sure if we will see a return to the Country Club atmosphere Shanahan was so intent on ridding from the team. With player involvement in decisions and a Rookie coach backed by a Rookie GM who wasn’t exactly stingy on the contract front... there are some watch outs

Latter two points are a wait and see. Who knows.

 

[Ricky Bobby]

Where do I stand, this is a tough one

This team is loaded with skill, and has enough of it to win a cup. However I have serious questions about this teams mental maturity! It wasn't that long ago when they went up against adversary with Babcock, instead of being professionals, they acted like a bunch of spoiled brats who quit on their own team. Lord knows I'm no fan of Babcock, but while hes gone, the same mental issues remain, what happens when they encounter their next bout of something they don't like?

I'd say this team is "good", on the right track, but they also badly need some maturity on this team, leaders who go to war for each other.

Babs also undermined the Leafs from actually uniting and it has only been about 15 games since he left.

Babs actually tore any team unity away.

A couple examples are:
1. Babs repeatedly complaining about not having the pieces to work with. I've never heard a coach complain so much about he doesn't have to work with. His job was to make it work with what he did have and build players up to make them want to go to war for him and each other.
2. Benching Speeza in front of friends and family just cause he's a prick.
3. A novice level coach knows you shorten your bench and play your best players in critical game but instead Marleau we got to see lots of Marleau.
4. Marner and the list incident.

The team definitely seems a lot more united under Keefe but I do agree they still have some work to do.

 

[GoonieFace]

Usually in the corner, with my face towards the wall, to avoid eye contact

 

[A1LeafNation]

In front the toilet, stove, and sink...that's where I stand.

 

[Kingstondude84]

Babs also undermined the Leafs from actually uniting and it has only been about 15 games since he left.

Babs actually tore any team unity away.

A couple examples are:
1. Babs repeatedly complaining about not having the pieces to work with. I've never heard a coach complain so much about he doesn't have to work with. His job was to make it work with what he did have and build players up to make them want to go to war for him and each other.
2. Benching Speeza in front of friends and family just cause he's a prick.
3. A novice level coach knows you shorten your bench and play your best players in critical game but instead Marleau we got to see lots of Marleau.
4. Marner and the list incident.

The team definitely seems a lot more united under Keefe but I do agree they still have some work to do.

I totally get whaytyour saying and im glad hes gone, but still i can't defend how the leafs handled it either.

 

[BM14]

Team needs more hanta yo.

 

[ImpartialNHLfan]

In front the toilet, stove, and sink...that's where I stand.

You mark your territory everywhere I see.

 

[4thline]

It's a work in progress, and that's the most exciting thing. This is a 100+ point team and we're not done.

Key considerations

-lack of "jam". We've seen it already in the last 18 games. Jam is a result of either passion or temperament. You can't force either, and passion doesn't exactly shine through when you're being stifled. trending up in a big way.

-the most scarce and differentiated resource in this league is elite talent. we have it in spades

-we're asset heavy with very few (no) restrictions in the next few years

-Most critics completely misinterpret the team's philosophy wrt to grit/physicality. It's coming. It's just going to come at a price that makes sense in a form that can play the teams style.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

I feel the Leafs are on a roll but i'm positive if Freddy lets in 2 first period goals someone will call for a rebuild.

It's just the nature of our think less, rage more world.

He was right. We didn't need it.

But we got it.

 

[A1LeafNation]

Short Term
They are fine to finish high in the regular season. Same as they were to start the year.

Wasn’t sold on the prospect of a playoff run... under Babcock or Keefe. Dubas has work to do.

Long Term
Solid pieces assembled by Burke, Nonis, Lou, Hunter and Dubas.

Just not sure they fit together under the massive salary disparity we have.

Also not sure if we will see a return to the Country Club atmosphere Shanahan was so intent on ridding from the team. With player involvement in decisions and a Rookie coach backed by a Rookie GM who wasn’t exactly stingy on the contract front... there are some watch outs

Latter two points are a wait and see. Who knows.

Tough to know, but I'd bet Nonis wanted Ritchie in 2014 not Nylander.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

Team needs less Hall & Oates.

Final answer.

 

[Mess]

Leafs appear to be sizing up to be more competitive against more teams.

 

[LeafSteel]

We are still too soft and our defence is not what we need, but at least we have a GM and a head coach who are now on the same page.

It was very clear Babcock and Dubas were not on the same wave length.

We are not good enough to go deep in the playoffs without a tougher mindset and greater strength at defence, but at least we are entertaining as hell to watch again, and our players so far are buying what Keefe is selling.....

 

[qqaz]

Team needs more hanta yo.

That's an era that can go away and never come back.

 

[BM14]

That's an era that can go away and never come back.

Burn the boats, buddy.

Burn the boats.

 

[Kingstondude84]

We are still too soft and our defence is not what we need, but at least we have a GM and a head coach who are now on the same page.

It was very clear Babcock and Dubas were not on the same wave length.

We are not good enough to go deep in the playoffs without a tougher mindset and greater strength at defence, but at least we are entertaining as hell to watch again, and our players so far are buying what Keefe is selling.....

Pittsburgh and Chicago won multiple cups based on elite offense/meh defense/softness....why can't we?

 

[Canada4Gold]

Burn the boats, buddy.

Burn the boats.

What a pathetic organization. Burning boats while other organizations are out there burning entire villages