NHL Reporter Takes Massive Shot At The Toronto Maple Leafs President

PUBLICATION

Hunter Bowman
November 23, 2023 (11:31 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Today, reporter James Tanner used his platform to express dissatisfaction with the Toronto Maple Leafs recent performance, going so far as to call for the firing of key front office members, including Brendan Shanahan.

In his bold take, Tanner argues for a

"soft-reset" for the team, emphasizing the need for changes in leadership: "Brendan Shanahan should be fired, along with Brad Treliving and Sheldon Keefe. The team needs a soft-reset, not a full rebuild, but Shanahan and his cronies are no longer the ones to oversee it."

Tanner's frustration stems from the team's structure, particularly the heavy investment in the offensive end with little focus on defense. To support his position, he highlights metrics suggesting the team cannot consistently outscore opponents.

"If a team is regularly having less than 50% puck-possession, if they are being outshot, out-chanced, and outscored at 5v5, then their record will eventually match those numbers."

Examining advanced stats, Tanner illustrates that despite the Maple Leafs' solid record, they are being outplayed:

"The Leafs are 12th in 5v5 Corsi... They are 15th in shots-for percentage. They are 19th in goals-for... They are 14th in scoring chances-for percentage. The Toronto Maple Leafs are 24th out of 32 teams when it comes to the total percentage of high-danger scoring chances in their favor."

These metrics collectively indicate that the team is not performing at the level suggested by their record, raising concerns about falling below expectations.

While acknowledging Tanner's valid points, the potential firing of a recently appointed general manager may spark further discontent among the fanbase. Regardless of the chosen path, the Maple Leafs are urged to address their issues promptly.

Source: Hockeypatrol