The Toronto Maple Leafs just went through a bit of a makeover, and let’s just say the fans are… well, divided. Here’s what went down: they swapped out some of the coaching staff (enter Craig Berube), handed over the captaincy to Auston Matthews, shuffled their top two defensive pairings like a deck of cards, and added some much-needed depth on defense for the playoffs.
Oh, and they brought in a goaltender who’s actually won a Stanley Cup before. Sounds like they mean business, right?
But here’s the kicker—fans aren’t exactly jumping for joy. After hearing management hint at a shakeup, people were bracing for something big. Like real BIG.
Instead, they got what some are calling just another round of “musical chairs.” One fan even joked that it’s the same old story—just with a few more seasoned (read: weathered) defensemen and a new captain.
Here’s some of the fan reaction from X, where fans are equally frustrated and, well, who wouldn’t be?
“Musical chairs once again – maybe it will work this time,” title tweet, here we go.
“Fraud 4 still intact,” quipped one user.
Now this one is a direct point-to-point retort in the comments:
“The changes were very superficial. The only thing they did was lose Bertuzzi and add Tanev. They didn’t get the top goalie they should have, and adding OEL isn’t changing the second pairing, as he’s not a top four option at 33. Coaching and captain are superficial,” tweeted Fansided’s Editor-in-Leaf.
Another point-to-point not worth missing:
“Not saying some of these won’t help but to suggest a wildly different outcome is coming is a stretch. Our big 4 have never showed up like McDavid or Draisaitl in playoffs, when has to happen if you’re making that much and can’t afford any depth. B4 Domi, Kampf was #5 paid FWD,” weighed in another fan.
Sure, the Leafs made changes and there are possible new signings on the horizon including the prospect of bringing in reinforcements in the left wing in a former Habs captain.
But is it enough to finally break the cycle? Only time will tell, but for now, the fanbase seems to be holding its breath… or rolling its eyes.