Friedman Reveals Juicy Details From the Leafs' Closed-Door Meeting

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed in a new edition of "32 Thoughts : The Podcast" that the Toronto Maple Leafs spoke at length behind closed doors, addressing the team's need for a physical presence.

According to Friedman, the team realizes that they have a reputation of a team lacking a physical edge, with many fans having criticized the team for not retaliating in the Leafs recent game against the Boston Bruins, in which a hit by Brad Marchand injured Timothy Liljegren, who is now out long-term. Friedman reports the Leafs appear worried they may be viewed as "soft".

The Toronto Maple Leafs, currently 5-4-2 to start the season, have struggled to be a physically demanding team. Injuries to their defensive core have made the Leafs a team reliant on offense. The Leafs decided not to take on Marchand, and seem to worry it may have caused some concern on how their viewed by other teams.