The Toronto Maple Leafs raised eyebrows on Sunday with a questionable decision after a frustrating 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.

Optional practices are common in the NHL, but doing so after a defeat, especially one in which scoring dried up again, felt like an unusual call by Leafs head coach Craig Berube on Sunday after his players dropped the ball on Saturday night.

Only ten skaters and one goalie took the ice, leaving fans questioning whether urgency is being applied consistently during a season defined by inconsistency.

Among the forwards, Easton Cowan, Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok and Matias Maccelli showed up. On the blue line, Simon Benoit, Tyler Myers, Dakota Mermis, Chris Tanev and Marshall Rifai put in work. Artur Akhtyamov handled the goaltending load.

Each participant represents either a younger player fighting for trust or a depth piece trying to hold onto a role. Their presence suggested personal accountability, even if the full group was not required to skate. The veterans did not showcase the same level of accountability.

Optional practice raises questions about Maple Leafs’ urgency

Craig Berube has emphasized competitiveness and consistency since arriving, and Sunday’s choice will be interpreted through that lens. The team has shown flashes of identity, then fallen away from it just as quickly. A loss to Montreal – winnable in regulation – brought those patterns back into focus.

Fans took to social platforms debating the decision. Some argued players manage their bodies best when given choice, especially after a travel heavy stretch. Others felt a message needed to be sent, and an optional practice delivered the wrong one.

For the players who skated, the effort is noted. But the absence of key veterans will remain part of the conversation until the Leafs string together results.

With games piling up and the standings tightening, Sunday’s light turnout doesn’t send the right message, which should be “win at all costs”. The Leafs moved to 13-11-4 following last night’s defeated and saw a 3-game win streak snapped in the process.

Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily