As another summer of soul-searching begins for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the message is starting to sound familiar: something has to change. But now, that message is being echoed by one of hockey’s most respected minds — Stanley Cup-winning coach Darryl Sutter.
Speaking on Leafs Morning Take alongside Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, Sutter didn’t mince words. While he believes Toronto made important strides last season, especially under new head coach Craig Berube, the veteran bench boss says the job is far from done.
“I know it’s frustrating for Leafs fans,” Sutter admitted. “But they did take big strides. Bringing in Berube helped them play more of a playoff-style game, and those right-shot defensemen — Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo — were real difference makers.”
Yet for all the talk of systems and structure, Sutter pointed to something far more fundamental: identity.
“Their fourth line needs a little more oomph and jam,” he said. “A little more identity.”
Building a Battle-Tested Roster
General Manager Brad Treliving said it himself during his end-of-season presser: “There’s some DNA that needs to change.” And for Sutter, that change begins in the bottom six — the heart of any team built for playoff survival. He sees a need for more grit, more pushback, and most of all, more purpose.
One name already being floated in Toronto’s rumour mill? Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers. Known for his rugged style and clutch playoff performances, Bennett has the kind of edge the Leafs have sorely lacked when the games get gritty.
“I think he’d be really good in Toronto,” Sutter noted. “He’s that classic 2/3 centerman who brings playoff grit. If it could happen, he’d look pretty good in blue and white.”
Hope in the Youth Movement
It’s not all doom and gloom. Sutter also praised Toronto’s rising young core, particularly Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann, who showed flashes of big-league impact this season.
“Those kids are going to improve,” he said. “They made a big impact this year — and they’re just getting started.”
With pieces in place and plenty of options on the table, this summer could be pivotal for the Maple Leafs. The talent is there. The coaching staff is revamped. Now it’s up to the front office to finish the job and build a team that’s not just skilled — but scary to play against.
If the Leafs want to shake the “soft” label for good, this offseason might be their best (and last) chance.
