Don Cherry Discusses Leafs Possibly Trading One Of The Core Four After Another Disappointing Playoffs
In 2017, Kyle Dubas, the General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was asked if the team would be able to maintain their core group of players: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares.
Dubas confidently assured Leafs fans at the time, stating, "We can and we will."
However, fast forward to 2023, and the Leafs still haven't attained their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. In fact, their recent disappointing exit in the second round of the playoffs is the closest they've come, leading to many within the Leafs Nation demanding change.
"It's time for a change."
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In response to this situation, hockey icon and former host of "Coaches Corner," Don Cherry, offered his opinion on what the Leafs and GM Kyle Dubas should do:
I would bring them all back. You don't blow up team that had a 50- win, 111-point season. You just make sure you have a team that is ready to win in the playoffs because the regular season means nothing."
While he understands and agrees with them being "ashamed" of losing out in the second round after having such a good season, he would also bring back coach Sheldon Keefe, general manager Kyle Dubas and team president Brendan Shanahan.
"People are upset, but it will settle down in a few weeks. You don't keep changing the coach and management. You just work on it for next season."
While he understands and agrees with them being "ashamed" of losing out in the second round after having such a good season, he would also bring back coach Sheldon Keefe, general manager Kyle Dubas and team president Brendan Shanahan.
"People are upset, but it will settle down in a few weeks. You don't keep changing the coach and management. You just work on it for next season."
It's well-known that a multitude of teams would eagerly seize the opportunity to acquire any or all of the four core players from the Leafs. However, the final call rests with the Leafs' management. If they decide against trading any of these players, fans and spectators will simply have to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding how this decision plays out.
Of particular note is Auston Matthews, who has just one year remaining on his current contract before he potentially becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA). If Matthews feels that a victory is out of reach in Toronto, he has the option to leave.
He could join any team of his choosing, including his childhood team the Arizona Coyotes. If I was Kyle Dubas I'd be doing everything possible not let this happen.
Credit:Blade of Steel
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