The Toronto Maple Leafs gave the Boston Bruins a run for their money in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs by forcing a Game 7 but ultimately fell short. After a heartbreaking overtime loss to end their season, it’s time to look ahead to the offseason and what needs to be done for a better outcome next year.
Toronto Maple Leafs update: First Round recap with the Boston Bruins
As many NHL fans likely remember, the Bruins had their historic season last year ruined in the first round by the Florida Panthers after having a 3-1 lead. The Leafs nearly handed them the same fate this season but came up short.
What made the near-comeback even more impressive was Toronto winning multiple games against the Bruins without superstar Auston Matthews. After recording an incredible 69 goals in the regular season, that scoring ability did not translate to the playoffs, as he scored just one goal in his five games against Boston.
The Leafs also fought through a William Nylander injury, who went on to score several times upon his return. However, the bottom line is that the Bruins have simply been Toronto’s kryptonite this year, losing all four matchups in the regular season.
Toronto Maple Leafs update: Where they go from here
Although the Leafs forcing a Game 7 after being down 3-1 in the series certainly provided hope and optimism, Toronto fans are too accustomed to postseason letdown. Last year’s first-round series win was their first since 2004, and it ended abruptly in the second round.
That’s two decades of disappointment, and recently, that’s with one of the highest payrolls on the ice. Between Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner and captain John Tavares, they have nearly an all-star team themselves. So, while it has generally been their goaltending that needs to improve, that was not the case this year.
Boston scored more than three goals just twice in their seven-game series, none of which came in the last four games. So, what needs to be done from here?
Toronto Maple Leafs update: What needs to be done this offseason?
As you can imagine, given the names that we shared above, the concerns for the Leafs this offseason revolve around money and the salary cap. They made changes to the front office last offseason, so we don’t expect quite as much in that regard just one year later.
We mentioned Toronto’s improved goaltending, which was in large part thanks to Ilya Samsonov. Well, he is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). So, not only do they need to worry about the big four, but they also need to take care of Samsonov.
Mitch Marner is the first of the big four set to become a UFA (2025-26) so many speculate that he may be moved this offseason. At this point, if it needs to be done to keep their improved goaltending in place, it may be a necessary evil during the offseason.
