Key Takeaways:
– Toronto Maple Leafs gearing for a “significant announcement” on May 10, according to insider sources.
– Anticipation builds over rumors surrounding the futures of Coach Sheldon Keefe and Mitch Marner.
– The organization has postponed its final seasonal media availability sparking further speculation.
– NHL insider Elliotte Friedman adds weight to the rumors of Coach Keefe’s potential departure.
Toronto’s hockey scene is abuzz with speculation as fans and pundits await a “significant announcement” from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Following the team’s exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs, rumors have been swirling around the prospective firing of Coach Sheldon Keefe and team President Brendan Shanahan’s future with the franchise.
Firing Rumors Reach Fever Pitch
In the aftermath of the Leafs’ first-round defeat to Boston, Jim Parsons of The Hockey Writers hinted at impending significant news. According to Parsons, the franchise seemed on the verge of a major shakeup, and speculation quickly built around the potential dismissal of Coach Sheldon Keefe.
Despite expressing his desire to stay on with the Toronto-based team, Keefe’s absence from the rescheduled end-of-season media engagement on May 10 raised eyebrows. Parsons firmly stated, “A decision to remove [Keefe] is expected because Keefe will not attend on Friday.”
Team President’s Future Under Scrutiny
The hockey world is also abuzz about team President Brendan Shanahan’s future role in the organization. While the potential firing of Shanahan has been a topic of discussion, this seems unlikely, at least for now. Being scheduled to attend the news conference, Parsons believes that Shanahan “will likely remain with the team.”
NHL expert Elliotte Friedman seconded these speculations in his latest podcast episode, 32 Thoughts. Discussing the Leafs’ situation, he suggested that the franchise had used May 8 for significant planning and strategizing regarding the imminent future. Friedman echoed the theory of Keefe’s impending departure, hinting a significant change might be on the horizon for the Leafs.
Possible Trading of Mitch Marner
In addition to these shakeups, there might be more action coming. Particularly, the franchise may look to trade superstar forward Mitch Marner if Coach Keefe retains his position. With Marner desiring a contract extension, it might seem contradictory, but his no-move clause in his contract could complicate matters.
Discussing potential trade targets in his podcast, Friedman identified Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks, Brett Pesce from the Carolina Hurricanes, and Brandon Montour from the Florida Panthers. While Marner expressed his desire to sign a long-term extension with the Leafs, the trade rumors persist.
Amid the brewing turmoil, the Leafs’ fans anxiously await the seemingly ominous May 10 announcement. Whatever the result might be, it is expected to significantly impact the team’s dynamics and future trajectory. The entire hockey world will be eagerly following the events as they unfold in Toronto. [source: Heavy.com.]