Popular Leafs Personality Reveals Where the Real Shift for the Maple Leafs Needs to Occur
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton Imagn Images
Popular podcast host JD Bunkis called out the Maple Leafs organization and identified where the real change in DNA must occur for the Leafs to have success.
Following another disappointing playoff exit, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving promised to change the DNA of the roster.
That change was going to inevitably begin with Mitch Marner hitting free agency, given the soured relationship between the two sides.
With less than a week until July 1st, John Tavares could also be testing free agency due to the large gap between he and the Maple Leafs currently.
As everyone focuses on changing the formula of the roster and hoping that Brad Marchand or Sam Bennett magically decides to leave Florida, Sportsnet's JD Bunkis revealed what he believes is the real area that the Leafs need to change on his podcast last week.
"The Leafs have talked about a DNA change. It's not going to be with major roster moves because you've got four pieces with no-movement clauses. It's not going to change because Mitch Marner left. Your DNA has to change at the negotiating table. You can no longer be the franchise of 'we can and we will.' You have to be able to prove that this management group is different than the one that left."
Bunkis makes a very good point, given the position that Kyle Dubas put the Maple Leafs in by giving Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Auston Matthews anything and everything they asked for in the previous negotiations. Treliving did well in negotiations with Nylander, but Bunkis noted that he has to draw a line in the sand with Tavares to prove this regime won't be bullied.
"The optics of this are extremely important. The actual application of it, extremely important. The Leafs have to draw a hard line in the sand on this one and they need to say you're going to take or leave it."
Leafs Nation appreciates Treliving's stance on being a tough but fair negotiator, but they are also hoping that he learns from his mistakes in Calgary that saw Johnny Gaudreau walk for nothing and being forced to trade pending free agent Matthew Tkachuk in the infamous sign and trade for Jonathan Huberdeau.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 25 | 3699 ANSWERS Popular Leafs Personality Reveals Where the Real Shift for the Maple Leafs Needs to Occur Do you think Brad Treliving's hard-nosed negotiating will be beneficial for the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 2470 | 66.8 % |
| No | 1229 | 33.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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