Report: Rogers Communications may not approve rebuild for Maple Leafs: Insider reveals why

Currently sitting at 16-15-5 through 36 games, I don't think anyone, at the start of the season, pegged the Maple Leafs as the 8th place team in the Atlantic Division and the second-last place team in the Eastern Conference at this point in the year.

The Leafs have looked inconsistent, disconnected, sluggish and flat on most occasions this season, only turning on their jets in select games, or even just in select periods.

This has led to a lot of frustration, and has even resulted in Marc Savard being fired after his power play went 12-for-90 on the season and 0-for-10 in his final 3 road games. It has also generated some discussion surrounding whether or not a rebuild is the right course of action.

Well, unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be on the table, according to NHL Insider Jeff Marek, who told listeners this week that there's something very big standing in the way of a potential rebuild.

Rogers Communications is the sole owner of MLSE and is set to begin a new rights deal with the NHL next season, worth a staggering $11 billion, with the official announcement being made in early April of 2025.

With the Leafs being the most profitable franchise in the league, Rogers may not approve of a rebuild, as the Leafs are the top draw in the NHL. A rebuild usually means years of short-term pain for long-term gain. Unfortunately, the Leafs' last rebuild, resulting in their ability to draft William Nylander, Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and sign John Tavares as a UFA, hasn't resulted in much long-term gain.

With money being the driving force behind every decision, it does seem unlikely that Rogers would allow MLSE to enter into a rebuild at the start of a new rights deal.